Sienkevych proposed handing over the «Yunist» park to the business sector for redevelopment

Senkevich proposed involving the business community in the redevelopment of Yunist Park. Photo: MYkVisti

Mykolaiv Mayor Oleksandr Sienkevych has proposed involving the business community in the development of Yunist Park. According to him, the area could be divided into separate zones and handed over to entrepreneurs for development under legal terms.

He made this statement during a staff meeting at Mykolaiv City Council on 15 June, NikVesti reports.

According to the mayor, he has recently been receiving complaints and comments regarding the state of the park. He recalled that the area had been leased for a long time, but was returned to the city about a year ago. The mayor is now proposing to divide the park and hand it over to the business sector.

«I would like to hear your suggestions, perhaps proposals involving the business sector. Recently, a very active businessman has come forward, saying: «If we were given the park, we would make it beautiful». Why not divide Yunist Park into zones and give businesses the opportunity to get involved there? So that it isn’t challenged by the public prosecutor’s office, as usually happens in Mykolaiv. To allow for the establishment of a fixed-term easement and so on, in accordance with the rules,» said Oleksandr Sienkevych.

He was likely referring to the Mykolaiv businessman Yurii Klymenko, who recently appealed to him and the head of the Mykolaiv Regional State Administration, Vitalii Kim, urging them «not to be greedy» and to lease or grant a concession for Victory Park so that «businesses could develop a modern leisure space there».

Later, Yurii Klymenko stated that for a comfortable life in Mykolaiv, it is not enough to have only grocery shops and petrol stations, and called on the authorities to create conditions for the development of family leisure spaces.

NikVesti showed what Yunist Park looks like in June. Despite new plantings and the installation of a few benches, visitors point out the uncut grass, litter and old playgrounds in need of renovation.

What Yunist Park in Mykolaiv looks like in June 2026. Photo: NikVesti

What Yunist Park in Mykolaiv looks like in June 2026. Photo: NikVesti

What Yunist Park in Mykolaiv looks like in June 2026. Photo: NikVesti

The history of the owners of Yunist Park

Problems with the upkeep of Yunist arose back when the park was leased by the firm «Pretor», which is linked to the Mykolaiv businessman and people's deputy Vladislav Chaika.

Back in 2020, NikVesti reported that the area was in a state of neglect: the asphalt surface was damaged, the benches were worn out, and the greenery had withered. At the time, Mykolaiv Mayor Oleksandr Sienkevych repeatedly criticised the tenant for failing to carry out maintenance work.

«Yunist Park has, I believe, been leased to the company «Pretor» for 50 or 30 years. This site was handed over during Mayor Chaika’s tenure. As far as I know, this company is linked to his son Vladislav or some relatives — I cannot say for certain whether this is accurate information, but it is under lease. So, when Vladyslav Chaika comes to you as a mayoral candidate or councillor, ask him: Why is Yunist Park in such a state and when will he sort it out? If he’s taken it on lease, then, as they say, he should pay for the paths, not just rake in money from the fairground rides,» said Oleksandr Sienkevych at the time.

In May 2024, residents of Mykolaiv once again asked for the neglected Yunist Park to be tidied up and the rubbish cleared away.

In June 2024, the park returned to the city’s ownership after around 20 years of leasing. The municipal enterprise «Mykolaiv Parks» confirmed that they had taken over the site for maintenance as early as the end of 2023, as the tenant had refused to renew the contract.

Despite this, three years after the change of ownership, the park has still not been properly refurbished.