Residents of Tomsk Region Decide on How and What to Improve Their Local Areas

Rewritten Article:

Voting for Tomsk's Best Spaces: The 2026 Nationwide Makeover

It's time to choose, Tomsk! The voting for the new architectural projects aimed at beautifying public spaces across the region as part of the nationwide "Infrastructure for Life" initiative has commenced. With 61 proposals up for grabs from various cities and districts, you get to pick the most significant communal spots that will receive a $2026 makeover. Here's how you can make your pick!

What Are We Voting For?

According to Alexei Kondratiev, Deputy Governor of Tomsk Oblast for Construction and Architecture, the 61 proposals consist of 35 new places where the construction process will kick off, and 26 projects that will continue the beautification of existing public spaces.

In Tomsk, for instance, popular locations such as the DC "Tomsk Transversal," Lytkin Square, the area around the Academic Lyceum on Valyavilov Street, and the Sputnik settlement are competing for a facelift in 2026. Overall, the Tomsk region's residents will select 43 winning projects for transformation.

"Our goal is to introduce modern public spaces in every city and district throughout the region. These may range from children's playgrounds to relaxation zones near water bodies, concert stages, and more. Each one of these spaces matters to the locals," remarks Kondratiev.

Fine-Tuning the Details: Turning Ideas into Reality in Tomsk

Ever wondered what goes into planning a public space overhaul? Planners always ask questions such as, "How do locals currently use this space? What would they like to see here in the future?" By conducting workshops, surveys, and online discussions, they gain crucial insights into the actual landscapes for both problems and potentials. Based on this information, innovative architectural solutions are born.

"We always ask, 'Is it just pavement and a bench?' Even these simplicity elements contain many nuances. For example, the Pushkin Park will have pavement designed with references to fairy tales, while the historic appearance will be maintained in the Red Barracks. You just need to pay close attention," explains Olga Kupritz, the mastermind behind the Transformation and Development of Public Spaces project.

In 2026, the Center for Urban Environment Development proposes setting up kinetic sculptures and outdoor musical zones with street instruments like marimbas, aerophones, drums, and slanted xylophones in the town of Asino.

"These will be interactive sculptures and instruments that visitors can play with. We are currently allowing the public to choose what will be installed in the park. In Kryvoshien, the project includes an amphitheater where locals can select the design. The Melnikov Schoolyard project features exciting fillings and functions. A skate park is also planned for the future," says Kupritz.

More projects coming

The initial plan was to beautify just 43 public spaces in 2025. Yet, by optimizing the budgeting process, it's now estimated that six additional projects might be added to the list, increasing the total number of spaces under renovation to approximately 49.

For instance, thanks to budget savings, more extensive renovations are anticipated for the White Lake Park. The plans include modernizing the lighting, installing new pavement, and lattice benches. Moreover, it's expected that the honor roll and the park's main entrance, which traditionally hosts the New Year tree, will receive upgrades.

Results for the 2026 projects are expected in June, according to Kondratiev. "Thanks to the national project, infrastructure development is not confined to the city center; it is happening throughout the region. People want to enjoy their leisure time near home. We are taking this into account. Making the environment comfortable is about listening to the people," he adds.

On the other hand, in the rural Naryma Parabelsky District, the first phase of the Museum Square transformation was completed in 2024. A 7.5-meter wooden observation tower in "Narym Fortress" style became the main structure, built in Tomsk and transported alongside the river to its foundation. In 2025, the fencing, benches, trash bins, and play areas are expected to be added.

"In Karaganda, Kolpashevo, Narym, and other locations, people didn't merely vote; they monitored the progress of projects and participated in discussions. Each one of these projects serves as an example of how residents' ideas become reality," remarks Kondratiev.

How to Cast Your Vote

Any adult resident of Tomsk Oblast who is 14 years or older can participate in the voting process. You can cast your vote using the following steps:

Use your account on Gosuslugi to access the Platform for Public Consultations. If you're not registered on Gosuslugi, click "Register" to create a new account.
Navigate to the Platform for Public Consultations section for "Civil Engineering Reforms".
Select the public territory that, in your opinion, should be prioritized for beautification in the first phase. For the design proposals, choose one project for implementation.

"Volunteers will be active across the public spaces, helping people vote and sharing information about the proposed locations for beautification. Volunteers play an essential role, not only for themselves but also for their loved ones. This results in a threefold impact. If there are three generations in one family - the impact multiplies tenfold," emphasizes Kondratiev.

He highlights that thanks to national project participation in the region, 323 public spaces have already undergone transformations.

"We take this project very seriously, planning its implementation and realization in 2025 to be as efficient and qualitative as possible. This project grants the opportunity to give new life to territories, uniting people. It offers the chance to take residents out of their apartments and back into the community, enabling them to play an active role in the decisions concerning the places they inhabit," adds the Deputy Governor.

In the nationwide "Infrastructure for Life" initiative, Tomsk residents have the opportunity to vote for 43 public spaces across the region that will receive a makeover in 2026.
The capitulation of the popular DC "Tomsk Transversal," Lytkin Square, the area around the Academic Lyceum on Valyavilov Street, and the Sputnik settlement are among those competing for a transformation in 2026.
The goal of the project is to introduce modern public spaces that cater to various aspects of daily life, such as children's playgrounds, relaxation zones, concert stages, and more, to every city and district in the region.
Innovative architectural solutions are being developed through workshops, surveys, and online discussions to address the needs and wants of the local communities.
In 2026, the Center for Urban Environment Development proposes setting up kinetic sculptures and outdoor musical zones in various towns, some of which include marimbas, aerophones, drums, and slanted xylophones for visitors to interact with.
Residents of rural areas have also been actively involved in the project, such as in the Naryma Parabelsky District, where the Museum Square transformation was completed in 2024, and more projects are planned for cities like Kolpashevo and Karaganda.
Tomsk adults aged 14 years and older can participate in the voting process by using their Gosuslugi account to access the Platform for Public Consultations, navigating to the "Civil Engineering Reforms" section, and selecting their preferred public territory for beautification.