Volyn to Build Its First Fully Accessible Recreational Area in the Forest
Work is set to begin in Ukraine on the creation of the country’s first fully accessible recreational area in a forest zone. The project will be implemented by the State Enterprise “Forests of Ukraine” in Volyn this summer at the “Lisovychok” recreational center in Kolky, Lutsk District.
This was reported by the State Enterprise “Forests of Ukraine.”
According to the report, the current recreation area is already partially adapted for people with various needs: it features accessible paths, accessible entrances to gazebos, wheelchair-accessible areas, and convenient access. At the same time, the new phase aims to make the space fully inclusive.
The project includes plans to renovate the restroom, create an accessible parking area, install handrails on slopes, special benches, and handrails, as well as pave the eco-trails with a solid surface, allowing visitors to move freely throughout the area even in challenging weather conditions.
Special attention will be paid to accessibility for people with visual impairments—Braille maps of the area and audio guides are planned.
The project is being implemented with the participation of veterans, people with disabilities, and wheelchair athletes, who contributed to the development of the space’s concept.
“The project was developed in collaboration with war veterans and wheelchair athletes—people who best understand what a truly accessible environment should be like. The concept involves adapting the space for people with visual and mobility impairments: a Braille map of the area, an audio guide, special flooring under the gazebos, and safe, level pathways between all locations within the complex,” said Ksenia Grigorieva, Head of Social Projects at the State Enterprise “Forests of Ukraine.”
“In about two months, the entire infrastructure will be fully equipped here: inclusive parking, adapted restrooms, and properly angled pathways to the gazebos and other locations. Special attention is being paid to safety and comfort—installing handrails on all slopes, as well as special benches and handrails near rest areas,” noted Yana Shpota, head of “Lisovychka.”
The project is also being implemented as part of an initiative by Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska and National Accessibility Week.
During the event at the “Lisovychok” site, sports and rehabilitation activities were held for military personnel and veterans undergoing recovery. Participants were able to take part in mini-golf, fishing, chess, checkers, and master classes.
According to the State Enterprise “Forests of Ukraine,” there are over 1,000 “Lisovychok” recreational sites operating in the country, nearly 200 of which are of the new model. In 2026, the creation of another 74 new locations is planned.
The enterprise emphasizes that the project aims to develop inclusive access to nature for people with physical, social, and psychological barriers, as well as to expand opportunities for rehabilitation and recovery through time spent in a natural environment.
As a reminder, in April, the state-owned enterprise “Forests of Ukraine” resumed work on 25 projects to build forest roads with a total length of nearly 90 km.
It is worth noting that after the war ends, Ukraine may face the need to introduce toll roads due to the massive need for infrastructure restoration.
Since the beginning of the year, over 1 million square meters of road surface damage have been repaired in Ukraine—the highest figure in the last six years.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko has instructed the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development to intensify the search for additional resources to repair roads under state guarantees and with the participation of international partners.
