La Izvor Park sits in the Buiucani district of Chisinau. Established in 1972, it covers 150 hectares along the Bic River. In the past, people knew it as the “Park of Friendship Between Peoples.”
Back then, visitors gathered to celebrate the friendship among the peoples of the 15 Soviet republics. The park features three lakes and several small islands, making it the youngest park in Chisinau and the second largest in the city.
In recent years, the park has undergone major modernization. It now attracts residents and tourists alike as a place for relaxation and sports, offering one of the most diverse sports infrastructures in the capital.
The renovation unfolded in two stages:
Stage One
Authorities repaired all park entrances, renovated the main sidewalk along Calea Iesilor Street, and fixed the roadway and sidewalk on nearby Ghidighici Street. They arranged parking spaces and restored all pedestrian paths around lakes 1 and 2. Workers added new pedestrian alleys, built the central walkway and bicycle path, constructed three public restrooms, installed new urban furniture, and created a pedestrian fountain.
To enhance safety, they installed new public and decorative lighting systems, built a children’s playground, and landscaped the park’s beach area. For professional and amateur athletes, they constructed a public sports and recreation complex that includes a multifunctional arena — the first stadium of its kind in Eastern Europe. Additional facilities include two tennis courts, a basketball court, a football field, and a workout area.
Stage Two
Chisinau City Hall continued the improvements by installing beach loungers, shower cabins, an irrigation system, and surveillance cameras. The municipality also added three playground complexes with 12 swings, two padel courts, a playground for people with special needs, volleyball and table tennis courts, and another play area for children.
During the summer season, visitors can also relax in gazebo areas designed for rest and leisure.