Abay Park – Urban Park Design — Reimagining One of Kazakhstan’s Largest Urban Parks

Abay Park is one of the largest and most important public green spaces in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, covering more than 52 hectares in the heart of the city. Developed by PrivateHouse, the project proposes a comprehensive transformation of the park into a contemporary public destination that combines recreation, culture, sports, wellness, and community life within a unified landscape strategy.

Strategically located between the historic city center and rapidly developing districts, Abay Park plays a critical role in Shymkent’s urban structure. More than 80,000 residents live within walking distance of the park, while major transportation routes connect the site with all parts of the city.

The masterplan aims to transform an underutilized and outdated urban landscape into a vibrant, inclusive, and highly accessible public environment. The design introduces new pedestrian connections, improved accessibility, additional park entrances, and a diverse range of activities while preserving the site’s mature green infrastructure and memorial significance.

The park is organized around five primary functional zones:

• Recreation Zone
• Sports Zone
• Memorial Zone
• Wellness Zone
• Entertainment Zone

Each area contributes to a balanced ecosystem of activities that serves children, families, students, young professionals, athletes, and senior citizens.

A key objective of the project is to create a flexible and future-oriented public space while minimizing intervention in the existing landscape. The masterplan prioritizes preservation of mature trees, adaptive reuse of existing infrastructure, enhancement of pedestrian circulation, and activation of underused open spaces.

The project demonstrates contemporary approaches to urban park design, landscape architecture, placemaking, public realm development, green infrastructure planning, and sustainable city-making. Abay Park is envisioned as a landmark urban destination that strengthens community engagement, supports public health, enhances environmental performance, and improves quality of life for future generations.