Yerevan City Council Member Raises Concerns About New Playground Safety
Yerevan, January 8 – Kristina Vardanyan, a member of the Yerevan City Council, has publicly shared her correspondence with the Mayor of Yerevan regarding safety issues at a newly established playground in Khachkar Park. Vardanyan’s letter, dated December 23, 2025, detailed several concerns and offered solutions to ensure the safety of children using the facility.
Mayor’s Office Responds to Safety Concerns
Vardanyan expressed satisfaction with the Mayor’s response, noting that nearly all the issues she highlighted are slated for resolution in the coming months. She emphasized the paramount importance of safety, stating, “It is desirable that in future works, first the necessary conditions are created, and then the area is provided for children to play, because the most important thing is SAFETY.” Vardanyan affirmed her commitment to follow up until the matter is fully resolved.
The official response from the Organizational Department of the Yerevan City Hall, signed by the Acting Head of the Department, Raffi Gyozyalyan, provided details on the playground’s establishment and future plans:
- The location selection for the playgrounds was discussed and decided by the Yerevan Municipality, Kentron administrative district, and the “Keron” Foundation.
- The “Karmrakhayt” playground was constructed in the 6th section of the Circular Park, and the “Vishapagorg” playground in Khachkar Park.
- A third playground is planned for Misak Manushyan Park.
Future Safety Measures and Traffic Study
The response further indicated that in the upcoming months of 2026, parking will be prohibited in the area adjacent to the “Vishapagorg” playground in Khachkar Park, and a protective green zone (live fence) will be created. The Department of Environmental Protection of the Yerevan Municipality staff noted that the newly created playground in Khachkar Park is not yet fully completed, and therefore, “Greening and Environmental Protection” NGO does not yet consider it appropriate to make any changes.
Regarding traffic concerns, the Yerevan Municipality staff’s Transport Department confirmed that a study will be conducted in cooperation with the Police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia to prohibit car parking in the specified road section. Appropriate action will be taken based on the study’s results.
Vardanyan’s proactive approach underscores the ongoing efforts to enhance urban infrastructure while prioritizing public safety, particularly for the city’s youngest residents. The resolution of these issues will be closely monitored by the City Council member.
