In Almaty, the once-secret Walnut Grove is gaining popularity. Kursiv LifeStyle was among the first to visit the location and tells what surprises it holds and what is planned here, reports infohub.kz.
Project head Baurzhan Rakhmatulin said the area began to be improved in 2023, with plans to turn it into a large recreation zone for residents.
According to Rakhmatulin, the grove was owned by Russian officer and breeder Vyacheslav Shaidurov, who moved to Kazakhstan. He was allocated land where he lived with his wife.
"Shaidurov worked with plants and brought schoolchildren here for excursions. Lilacs and seven types of nuts were grown in the grove. And the grove remained," says the project head.
Today, visitors can walk along two main paths. One is more gentle and suitable for a leisurely stroll, while the other goes up a steeper slope and is equipped with steps.
The gentle path runs along a stream and gradually ascends. Along the way, there are branches leading to separate areas, some of which appeared in the early stages of improvement.
These areas are perfect for exercising, meditating, or simply spending time in nature.
Further, the paths lead to a large amphitheater. In the future, they plan to hold film screenings, theater performances, and other events here. The space is adorned with a large illuminated chandelier. Nearby, restrooms are also available for visitors.
Not far from the amphitheater, another walking area is planned, which the project creators call their "Arbat." There, the path will be wider to accommodate leisurely walks.
"We want to make the entire space from natural materials. There will be no faceless structures created just for profit. First and foremost, this place should bring people pleasure," Rakhmatulin said.
According to the head, initially, the grove was not intended to be open to visitors. A week ago, a family asked to look inside.
"Later it turned out that one of the visitors was a blogger. After the video was published on social media, interest in the grove surged. The video came out around 11:00, and by 14:00 people started coming. On Saturday, about 300–400 people visited the grove, and on Sunday, more than a thousand," Rakhmatulin shared.
Entrance fee and address
Due to the high interest, visiting rules are being updated. Daily from 07:00 to 11:00, entry remains free, and at other times it will cost 1500 tenge for adults. Children under 14 and pensioners enter free.
"The territory needs to be maintained and recoup costs. We will have to hire a receptionist and staff to keep order and clean," says the creator.
The full opening of the Walnut Grove is planned for September. Address: Gorny Gigant territory, 255.