Friendship Park: A new joint recreation area linking Lyubertsy and Moscow
A new joint recreation space sits on the border between the Lyubertsy urban district and the Nekrasovka micro-region, designed to serve both residents of the Moscow region and visitors from Moscow proper. This project was announced by Moscow region Governor Andrey Vorobyov and Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, with their remarks shared by the press offices of the regional government and the city administration. The area is being referred to as Friendship Park in a symbolic nod to its unifying purpose.
Governor Vorobyov explained that the park would connect two substantial micro-regions, where roughly 100,000 people live in Moscow today and about 60,000 in Lyubertsy. The district is one that has long required attentive development, and residents have requested improvements for some time. The goal is to transform it within eighteen months into a space that feels safe, accessible, and welcoming. It will offer secure crossings and a bridge that enables smooth, comfortable movement between shores, along with a place where families can relax, meet friends, and enjoy time outdoors. The district leadership expressed confidence that the work can be completed effectively.
Vorobyov also thanked Mayor Sobyanin for Moscow’s cooperation, noting that joint ventures between the region and the city can accelerate the delivery of essential projects. The collaboration is showcased in the scope of this initiative, which aims to revitalize more than 40 hectares of land, improve water quality in the lake, and construct the Friendship Bridge that will connect the southern and northern shores.
Plans include a circular pathway, a boat station, and various amenities such as children’s facilities, sports areas, viewing platforms, recreation zones, and fishing spots. Proper lighting will be installed to ensure safety and extend usability into the evening hours as families and visitors enjoy the space after dark.
Mayor Sobyanin highlighted that the capital and the Moscow region collaborate across many sectors, including transportation programs, engineering, environmental protection, and social initiatives. He stressed that improvements in such areas require joint effort, given that the city and the region form a living, interdependent fabric. An existing agreement between Vorobyov and Sobyanin on a related plan to enhance Black Lake was mentioned as an example of ongoing municipal cooperation.
As part of the project, a pedestrian bridge over the lake will enable easy crossing for pedestrians. According to the press service, the plan calls for starting the project in May of the coming year. Preparatory work is already underway, with land allocated for improvements. Currently, 20 hectares of adjacent territory are unused; 15 hectares belong to Moscow, and 5 hectares to Lyubertsy. The redevelopment aims to convert this underutilized space into a vibrant, safe, and accessible area that serves the needs of nearby communities while offering a destination for recreation and leisure.