I.Metshin: "The trustees approached the reconstruction of the park seriously,...

(Kazan, KZN.RU, July 30, by Adel Galiyev). An offsite meeting was held at Chemists' Recreation Center to discuss the improvement of the Sosnovaya Roshcha (Pine Grove) park located in the vicinity. The event was chaired by Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin.

"A large-scale program of reconstruction of recreation areas is being implemented in the city. About 27 parks and gardens have found sponsors to date," reminded the mayor.

Ilsur Metshin said that the need for improving the Sosnovaya Roshcha park was first suggested by President Rustam Minnikhanov. Ilsur Metshin thanked the park trustees for their responsible approach to the task by involving everyone concerned. According to the head of the city, this park has certain features that should be considered before starting design work. It should be remembered that there is a necropolis of the Kizichesky monastery nearby, where notable citizens of Kazan are buried.

"It would be a good idea  to make a quiet area there and put everything in order: the alleys, lighting, benches, so that people could come and take their children for a walk. By no means should there be any entertainment on the territory adjacent to the cemetery," expressed his opinion Metropolitan of Kazan and Tatarstan, Anastasy. Нis Eminence proposed creating a memorial area at the site of the necropolis. He explained that 850 people, many of whom played an important role in the life of Kazan, are buried at the site.

Local historian Anatoly Yeldash said that among those buried there were five governors, four mayors, 10 Imperial University professors, benefactors and other prominent individuals. The Kizichesky monastery necropolis is the resting place of architect F.Petondi, a participant of Suvorov's campaigns, A.Chertov; the famous astronomer who participated in the development of Antarctica, I.Simonov; and Prince S.Baratayev. Count Ilya Tolstoy, writer Leo Tolstoy's grandfather, is also buried at the cemetery.

Ilsur Metshin assured that there will be no entertainment in the park. He proposed erecting a monument with the names of those buried there. He urged local historians to advise the architects about grave locations. "God forbid if we arouse anger of the Almighty by putting a bench or a trash can on somebody's grave," he emphasized.

As the mayor said, the trustees approached park reconstruction seriously and tried to do good without causing damage to our heritage.