Yesterday, July 5th, a new space for physical activity was inaugurated at Kontraktova Square in Kyiv.

This location is part of the global initiative «Healthy Living Cities», which Kyiv joined in 2021 with the support of the Danish Embassy in Ukraine and the company «Novo Nordisk». This was announced by the deputy head of KCSA, Valentin Mondryivskyi, during the opening ceremony.

«Transforming Kontraktova Square into a vibrant and dynamic space presents an opportunity to create the largest urban area that inspires and engages the community,— noted Valentin Mondryivskyi. — Proven methods of tactical urbanism have been applied here, involving temporary solutions that require no complex alterations to the infrastructure.

The project is designed for a duration of one and a half years, after which its elements can be easily dismantled or repurposed for other uses.

The «Healthy Living Cities» initiative focuses on promoting a healthy lifestyle among city residents, particularly in preventing diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity.

In 2024, the initiative expanded beyond the medical field, moving into urban planning by creating safe, comfortable, and modern spaces that encourage physical activity.

The project has entered the Ukrainian Book of Records as the largest urban temporary space for physical activities, covering a total area of 6321 square meters.

It has an international character, with key partners including the Danish Embassy in Ukraine, the city of Copenhagen, the NGO «Ukraine Active», and companies like «Carlsberg» and «JYSK».

City officials, the Danish Deputy Ambassador to Ukraine Lars Olaf Sowndal Petersen, project leader and renowned Danish urban architect Mikael Colville-Andersen, and the CEO of «Novo Nordisk Ukraine» Vladyslav Moroz were among those present at the opening.

Future plans involve engaging business representatives from other countries. This new space at Kontraktova Square was realized with sponsorship from «Novo Nordisk Ukraine», which allocated 6 million UAH for its development.

The newly established area aims to contribute to a city that is conducive to active and healthy living and is now available for everyone interested.