The number of sets is limited 
Residents of Mykolaiv are complaining about the neglected state of the area around the «Vodolii» sports complex
- News of Mykolaiv
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- Darina Melnychuk
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19:00, 14 May, 2026
The area around the Vodolii sports complex in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVestiResidents of Mykolaiv are complaining about the neglected state of the area around the «Vodolii» sports complex in the Korabelnyi district of the city.
This is reported by NikVesti.
The paving slabs near the complex have crumbled in places, and the steps at the entrance are partially destroyed and in a state of disrepair. Furthermore, the benches on the premises are damaged, with some broken or dismantled. The windows in the building are still boarded up following shelling, and shards of glass remain on the grounds.
Residents are posting videos on social media, recalling that «Vodolii» was once one of the city’s most famous sports complexes.
«I’ve never been a die-hard activist, but what I saw a few days ago really upset me. I’m from Mykolaiv, in the Korabelnyi district, and everyone — locals and visitors alike — has heard of «Vodolii» at least once. It’s a local aquatic centre that used to be a massive facility where competitions were held. And look at the state it’s in now. The walls are crumbling, the grounds are neglected. It’s just awful,» says local resident Iryna.
In addition, residents of the Korabelnyi district are complaining about the area near the Metallurgists’ Palace of Culture. According to locals, the benches there are also in a state of disrepair, the tiles are damaged, and the fountain hasn’t worked for ages and needs repairing.
«Please, just look at these benches. It’s embarrassing and scary to stand near them. I’m simply shocked. Surely something can be done about this? And this is a fountain where children could play. Does it really cost a fortune? I don’t think so,» says local resident Iryna.
As a reminder, in August 2025, the «Vodolii» sports complex building was damaged as a result of a missile strike on Mykolaiv. The blast wave shattered many windows, and the premises were littered with debris.
Following the shelling, as early as December, the Department of Physical Culture and Sport of the Mykolaiv City Council rented a diving pool at the «Vodolii» complex, where children with autism trained free of charge. This arrangement cost the budget 8.3 million hryvnias.
Photo report
The area around the ‘Vodolii’ sports complex in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti
The area around the ‘Vodolii’ sports complex in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti
The area around the ‘Vodoliy’ sports complex in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti
The area around the ‘Vodoliy’ sports complex in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti
The area around the ‘Vodoliy’ sports complex in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti
The area around the ‘Vodoliy’ sports complex in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti
The area around the ‘Vodoliy’ sports complex in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti
The area around the ‘Vodoliy’ sports complex in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti
The area around the ‘Vodoliy’ sports complex in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti
The area around the ‘Vodoliy’ sports complex in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti
The area around the ‘Vodoliy’ sports complex in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti
The area around the ‘Vodoliy’ sports complex in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti
The area around the ‘Vodolii’ sports complex in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti
The area around the ‘Vodoliy’ sports complex in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti
The area around the ‘Vodolii’ sports complex in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti
The area around the Metallurgists’ Palace of Culture in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti
The area around the Metallurgists’ Palace of Culture in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti
The area around the ‘Vodoliy’ sports complex in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti
The area around the ‘Vodolii’ sports complex in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti
The area around the ‘Vodolii’ sports complex in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti
The area around the ‘Vodolii’ sports complex in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti
The fountain near the Metallurgists’ Palace of Culture in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti
The area around the ‘Vodolii’ sports complex in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti
The area around the ‘Vodolii’ sports complex in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti
The area around the ‘Vodoliy’ sports complex in Mykolaiv. Photo: NikVesti
This material was produced within the REACH – Media Partnerships for Accountability and Trust project, implemented by International Media Support (IMS) and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. The content reflects the views of the authors and not necessarily those of the Danish government. Denmark’s support strengthens civil society and independent media in Ukraine, including in Mykolaiv.