Sports recreation area opens in western new settlements of Bishkek

Bishkek, Oct. 16, 2025. /Kabar/. On 15 October 2025, a new sports and recreation area featuring a mini-football field and a workout zone was officially inaugurated at the intersection of Gagarin and Imanaliev Streets in Bishkek, the Embassy of Switzerland in the Kyrgyz Republic reported.

The opening ceremony was attended by representatives from the Bishkek City Hall, the Lenin Municipal Administration, Municipal Territorial Administration №109, the Embassy of Switzerland, as well as local community leaders and residents - celebrating a new space for active living and community connection.

Approximately 20,000 residents of the Ak-Ordo-2, Ak-Ordo-3, and Ala-Too-3 (Erkin-Too) neighbourhoods now enjoy access to a modern space designed for active recreation, sports, and community engagement. The newly opened facility has quickly become a vibrant gathering point for youth, families, and seniors alike - fostering healthier lifestyles, encouraging social initiatives, and strengthening neighbourhood bonds.

The total investment in the project reached 12.6 million soms, with 8.2 million soms contributed by Switzerland and 4.4 million soms by the Bishkek City Hall. Local residents played an active role in bringing the project to life, demonstrating strong community spirit and collaboration.

Over the past three decades, internal migrants have increasingly settled in the urban outskirts of Bishkek and Osh. Many faced limited access to public services due to the absence of legal residency status and a lack of reliable information. In response to these challenges, Switzerland launched the Araket project in 2022.

Today, the Swiss Araket project supports 11 emerging settlements - 7 in Bishkek and 4 in Osh - reaching over 120,000 people. The initiative empowers residents by raising awareness of their rights and duties, facilitating access to essential public services, and working with local authorities to improve infrastructure and living conditions. By tackling real, everyday challenges, the project is making life in these communities safer, more inclusive, and more comfortable. It places particular emphasis on supporting women and children, helping them gain better access to education, social opportunities, and economic stability.

Funded by the Swiss Government, Araket is implemented in Kyrgyzstan by GFA Consulting Group in partnership with the Public Association “Resource Center for the Elderly”.