В Запорожье планируют переименовать один из самых больших парков города from

Zaporizhzhia Plans to Rename One of the City's Largest Parks

Historical Significance and Local Connections

Zaporizhzhia, a city in southeastern Ukraine, is considering renaming one of its largest parks, currently known as Lenin's Park. The park, established in 1923, was initially named after Vladimir Lenin, the leader of the Bolshevik Revolution. After Ukraine gained independence in 1991, a number of cities and towns removed Lenin's name from public spaces, including parks, streets, and monuments. However, Lenin's Park in Zaporizhzhia has retained its original name until now.

Community Involvement and Public Opinion

The potential renaming of Lenin's Park has sparked discussion and debate among Zaporizhzhia's residents. Some residents believe that the park's name should be changed to reflect the city's post-Soviet identity and distance itself from its communist past. Others argue that the park's historical significance should be preserved, as it has been a gathering place and recreational area for generations of Zaporizhzhia residents.

Process and Timeline

The Zaporizhzhia City Council has established a working group to consider the issue of renaming Lenin's Park. The working group is tasked with gathering public input, reviewing historical documents, and exploring potential new names for the park. The working group's recommendations will then be presented to the City Council for a final decision. The timeline for the renaming process is still uncertain, but the City Council is expected to make a decision in the coming months.

Potential New Names and Symbolic Meaning

Several potential new names for Lenin's Park have been suggested, including: * Independence Park: This name would symbolize the city's independence from the Soviet Union and its commitment to democratic values. * Victory Park: This name would honor the memory of Ukrainian soldiers who fought for independence during the Russo-Ukrainian War. * Freedom Park: This name would represent the city's aspirations for a free and democratic future. The choice of a new name for Lenin's Park is not simply a matter of changing a sign. It is an opportunity for Zaporizhzhia to reflect on its history, celebrate its present, and shape its future. The new name should be one that resonates with the city's residents and serves as a symbol of their collective identity.