Nearly two kilometers (1930 meters) of the shoreline around the ponds in Victory Park in Odessa are cleaned daily by workers from the Municipal Enterprise «Service Center».
To keep the area well-maintained, the staff carries out various activities to ensure the cleanliness of the ponds and the surrounding area.
These activities include regularly clearing the water surface of fallen leaves, branches, and trash; sweeping the adjacent walkways and bridges; mowing grass in the sanitary zone; refreshing painted elements and performing maintenance on paths, fences, bridges, islands, and the pump station; as well as cleaning the pump station area and drainage systems.
The history of the ponds in Victory Park dates back to 1960. In the 1970s, a concrete pond was built, which later evolved into a system of four artificial lakes. The depths of the ponds range from 0.8 to 1.7 meters.
Today, the ponds represent a hydraulic complex that includes a system of waterfalls, which serve both aesthetic purposes and help mix the water surface to prevent stagnation. Occasionally, the staff introduces chlorella into the ponds, a natural remedy that helps purify the water, reduces algae blooms, enriches the water with oxygen, and improves overall water quality.
The fountain located in the ponds operates automatically from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and features lighting from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The «Light Show «Fairy Pond» project was implemented in 2017 as part of Odessa's Public Budget.
Additionally, since 2020, the ponds have been adorned with a grotto that has become a popular photo zone for locals and visitors. The idea to create a grotto in one of Odessa's main green spaces belongs to the mayor, Gennady Trukhanov, who proposed transforming the water supply hub into a recreational area.
During the spring and summer, you can observe a pair of swans in the ponds, while in winter, the birds migrate to the Odessa Zoo.
The ponds also host wild ducks that migrate during the cold months, and turtles that hibernate in winter. The municipal staff has never engaged in fish or turtle breeding, as they appeared here naturally. Unfortunately, some turtle species, not adapted to living in ponds, struggle to survive.
Moreover, the ponds are home to various fish. In winter, when the pond surfaces freeze over, the Service Center employees make holes in the ice around the perimeter to ensure oxygen reaches the water.
Currently, the hydraulic structure of the ponds is a central part of Victory Park, featuring picturesque views, a rich system of pathways, diverse vegetation, and an abundance of wildlife. The areas are thoughtfully combined for active and more peaceful recreation for residents and visitors of all ages.
