Gençlik Parkı

Gençlik Parkı (literally Youth Park) is a public park in Ankara, Turkey.

Geography
The 27.5 ha park is almost at the center of Ankara. Its altitude is about 850 m, which makes it one of the lowest points in Ankara. It is surrounded by Ulus Square to the north, the Ankara Opera House (formerly Ankara Exhibition Building) to the east, Selim Sırrı Tarcan Sport Hall and Ankara Central Station to the south and, 19 Mayıs Stadium to the west.

History
During the early years of the Turkish Republic, the place where the park is located was a marshland. After the marshes were drained, the park was established and opened to the public on 19 May 1943, the National Youth Day. There were coffee houses around the 42000 m2 main pool, a swimming pool, a luna park, an open-air theatre and tracks. In 1957, two miniature trains were established within the park area as a part of the amusement attractions.

The park in the 2000s
After restoration and renovation works, there are now a cultural center, youths' center and Ankara Municipality Convention Hall as well as 43 kiosks in the park. During nights light performances are held in the main pool. Also a science museum is under construction.