At VDNH in Kyiv, a public space has started operating to improve the physical, psychological, and social health of military personnel, veterans, and civilian Ukrainians who need it. This is the first project of such scale in Ukraine. The initiative is being implemented by VDNH jointly with the Ministry of Veterans Affairs as part of the National Strategy for Creating a Barrier-Free Space, with the support of PrivatBank, Visa, and other partners.
The Therapeutic Gardens were opened by First Lady Olena Zelenska, on whose initiative the creation of the space began.
"Supporting the 'Therapeutic Gardens' project is an important step for PrivatBank in implementing our barrier-free strategy, as well as a contribution to supporting Ukrainians affected by the war. We hope that the creation of such spaces will help hundreds of Ukrainians restore their inner balance. PrivatBank strives to be not only a financial institution but also an active participant in social initiatives that have a real impact on people's lives, especially those who have gone through difficult trials," notes Dmytro Musiienko, a member of the PrivatBank board.
On the territory of VDNH, a space for horticultural therapy was equipped – growing and caring for plants to develop fine motor skills and reduce stress, a space for physical practice, yoga, occupational therapy, an area for art therapy and master classes, an individual zone for meditation and solitude, as well as a children's zone.
More than 12,000 plants were planted in the therapeutic garden: apple trees, euonymus, thyme, rosemary, sedge, and hundreds more bushes and thousands of perennials – all with different scents, shades, and textures. This will help create a space that engages all five senses of visitors, providing a therapeutic effect.
The landscaping of the space recreates natural conditions, without symmetry and clear lines. The plants are selected so that flowering lasts throughout the year, and the aroma will change every season – from oregano and sage to shades of lavender.
The Therapeutic Garden will help reduce stress, improve mood, and accelerate recovery through horticultural therapy, visual and tactile contact with nature, as well as collaboration and adaptive sports.
It is planned that the model of the space can later be scaled: in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and public spaces throughout the country.
The project is being implemented by VDNH together with the Ministry of Veterans Affairs as part of the National Strategy for Creating a Barrier-Free Space in Ukraine at the initiative of First Lady Olena Zelenska. The Therapeutic Garden for VDNH is designed by the urban bureau Big City Lab in partnership with the architectural bureau PUPA. The project is implemented with the support of Visa, PrivatBank, Work.ua, Expolight, and other partners.
