First President's Park, Almaty (must see)

Located in the southern region of Almaty, First President's Park is a significant symbol of the nation's history and its inaugural President, Nursultan Nazarbayev. It was officially unveiled in July 2010, occupying an area once occupied by apple orchards, reflecting the area's agricultural legacy. The park began in the post-Soviet era when state-owned apple orchards in the Alma-Ata foothills were abandoned after the USSR dissolved. Later, the government reclaimed the land in 2000 to create a public park, originally called "21st Century Park," shifting from plans for upscale housing.

The transformation into First President's Park commenced in 2001, marked by extensive landscaping endeavors. Noteworthy efforts were made to green the park, with numerous spruces, birches, and Tien-Shan spruces planted to commemorate various occasions, including Almaty's involvement in the 2008 Summer Olympics torch relay. A significant moment was the planting of an oak tree by President Nursultan Nazarbayev himself.

The park's layout combines natural elements with man-made features, incorporating water features spread across 9.5 hectares and a wooded area covering 4.8 hectares. The southern section features a picturesque landscape, including a mountain lake and artificial mountains, while plans for a Klimatron are in place for the central area. Despite its ambitious design, the park remained closed to the public until its grand opening in 2010.

A notable feature of the park is the monumental sculpture "Kazakhstan," unveiled on November 11, 2011, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Kazakhstan's Independence Day. Crafted from bronze, granite, and marble, the sculpture depicts a golden eagle with Nazarbayev at its center. The eagle's wings bear symbols of Almaty and Nur-Sultan, along with representations of Kazakhstan's architectural and historical landmarks.

Subsequent improvements to the park have included extensive renovations in 2013 and 2014, as well as the installation of a fountain complex. This complex comprises five fountains at varying heights, with the central fountain towering 30 meters high and adorned with Zodiac sign medallions.

First President's Park is not merely a recreational area but a symbolic landscape recounting Kazakhstan's journey to independence, its reverence for its past, and its dedication to preserving natural beauty amidst urban expansion.