The city of Ilyichevsk can be safely called one of the most promising resorts in Ukraine. Firstly, it has an excellent geographical position. Secondly, it is a port. Thirdly, the level of development of recreational infrastructure in it is one of the best in the Odessa region. How is the recreational infrastructure of Ilyichevsk better than in other Black Sea resorts?
Firstly, this city is recognized as the cleanest in Ukraine, and its municipal beach was awarded the «Blue Flag». This is an international award given by the Foundation for Environmental Education. It is given to the most well-maintained beaches with clean coastal waters adjacent to them.
Secondly, there is a clear division between industrial and residential zones in Ilyichevsk. Industrial is concentrated in the area Sukhoy Liman. Residential — along the coast of the Black Sea. Both territories are separated by a forest belt, the area of which is equal to 325 hectares. In the seaside zone, given to residents and guests, there are all city beaches, 7 stadiums, yacht club, sailors’ base, diving center, water station, cafes, hotels, a great number of fountains and parks. One of them is park «Molodezhny», which is located in the very center of the recreational and residential zone of the port city.
This park appeared in the second half of the bygone century, after the new port began to bring in a good profit to the city budget. The entrance to the park «Molodezhny» opens the sculpture of Elijah the Prophet. Firstly, he is the patron saint of sailors. Secondly, according to one of the versions, the name of this saint was the basis of the name of the city. The citizens liked the sculpture theme so much that soon a whole pleiad of diverse and variegated sculptures appeared in the park.
Today in the central park of Ilyichevsk there are a dozen Ukrainian kozaks and hetmans carved in the trunks of old trees. Guests are reminded of the presence of Greek colonists among the founders of the city by the statue of a girl with amphorae, made in a typical pseudo-classical style. The figure of the Mother of God is about the Polish nobility, who followed the Russian troops and received the most attractive areas of the Northern Black Sea coast from them. There is also a «real» Golden Fleece here. It is a figure of a ram with golden horns, mounted on an artificial hill and looking thoughtfully towards the sea and the port. The pearl of the local collection of sculptures is a reconstruction of a dolmen made in a typical Old English style.
Apart from the most amazing selection of sculptures, the park «Molodezhny» will not surprise those who are on vacation in Ilyichevsk neither abundance, nor variety, nor uniqueness of plant species. Due to the peculiarities of climate and soils, trees do not take root well in the local climate, so the park in the center of Ilyichevsk is light and well visible in all directions. If you are lucky enough to visit the Black Sea coast, walking in such a park will cause you amazing associations and pleasant emotions.