Kutaisi, Georgia’s second-largest city, is set to gain a modern riverside park along the Rioni River near Chavchavadze Bridge after the Municipal Development Fund announced a 1.4 million GEL design tender on November 4, 2025. This project aims to create a multifunctional recreational space that blends nature, culture, and community activities, with proposals due from December 3 to December 8.
Project Details and Vision
The tender calls for designs that transform the area into a vibrant park focused on minimal environmental impact. Planners want to preserve the natural landscape while adding features that promote health and social interaction.
This initiative comes at a time when Kutaisi is pushing for urban renewal. Recent developments, like the 2025 plan to convert the old Parliament site into a Technopark with a nearby public park, show the city’s commitment to green spaces. The riverside project builds on past efforts, such as the 2019 renovation of 41 historic houses along the Rioni River, which aimed to revive the area’s cultural heritage.
Officials expect the park to boost tourism and local economy. With Kutaisi’s airport expanding through a 2023 infrastructure tender, more visitors could enjoy the new spot. The design emphasizes connectivity, linking the park to existing paths for easy access.
Key Features of the Proposed Park
Designers must include a range of amenities to make the park appealing for all ages. The space will combine relaxation with active pursuits, turning the riverside into a community hub.
Here are some highlighted elements from the tender:
- A mediatheque for educational programs and cultural events.
- An open-air amphitheater for performances and gatherings.
- Cafes and dining areas to support local businesses.
- Sports fields, exercise zones, and playgrounds for families.
- Walking and cycling paths that connect to broader city networks.
The project also prioritizes infrastructure like parking, lighting, irrigation, and security systems. This setup ensures the park remains safe and functional year-round.
Tender Process and Timeline
The Municipal Development Fund, under the Ministry of Infrastructure, handles the tender. Interested firms can submit proposals during the five-day window in early December 2025.
A special commission will evaluate entries based on creativity, feasibility, and environmental sensitivity. The winner will develop detailed plans, leading to a construction tender soon after.
This process mirrors other recent Georgian projects, such as the Kutaisi airport runway redesign in 2023, which also started with a design competition. Experts predict construction could begin in 2026 if timelines hold.
Bidders face a budget of 1.4 million GEL, about 500,000 USD at current rates. This funding covers initial designs, with more allocated for building.
Environmental and Community Benefits
The park’s landscape-oriented approach means low-impact development. Planners aim to enhance the Rioni River’s natural beauty, known for its scenic views and historical significance as the ancient Phasis River.
Local residents stand to gain from improved outdoor spaces. Kutaisi’s population of around 147,000 includes many families who could use the playgrounds and sports areas. Environmental groups praise the focus on sustainability, similar to ongoing riverside cleanup efforts that address pollution from past industrial sites.
A table below outlines potential benefits:
| Aspect | Benefit | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Environment | Minimal intervention, green paths | Better biodiversity and air quality |
| Community | Playgrounds and social zones | Stronger social ties and health |
| Economy | Cafes and tourism draw | Job creation and revenue boost |
| Accessibility | Cycling paths and parking | Easier visits for all |
This setup could reduce urban stress and encourage eco-friendly habits.
Challenges and Future Outlook
While exciting, the project faces hurdles like budget constraints and potential delays. Past initiatives in Kutaisi, such as promised infrastructure that lagged behind schedules, highlight the need for efficient execution.
Experts note that rising construction costs, up 15 percent in Georgia since 2023 due to global inflation, could affect the timeline. Still, the tender’s structure allows for adjustments.
Looking ahead, this park could inspire similar developments along the Rioni, which flows 327 kilometers from the Caucasus Mountains to the Black Sea. If successful, it might attract international funding for more green projects in western Georgia.
Broader Context in Georgia’s Development
Kutaisi has seen a wave of investments lately. The 2025 Technopark conversion adds tech innovation to the mix, complementing the riverside park’s recreational focus.
Nationally, Georgia’s push for sustainable tourism aligns with this effort. Visitor numbers to Kutaisi rose 20 percent in 2024, driven by attractions like rafting on the Rioni and historic sites.
This project reflects a trend toward blending nature with urban life, much like recent park developments in Tbilisi. It positions Kutaisi as a forward-thinking city ready for growth.
Share your thoughts on this new park in the comments below, and spread the word by sharing this article with friends interested in Georgia’s evolving landscape.
