17 Oct 2014
Second pro-Russia historical theme park coming to disputed Crimea region
BY Tom Anstey
Despite the highly contentious Crimea region still being disputed between Ukraine and Russia, detailed plans for a historical theme park – in addition to one in the works by French company Puy du Fou – have been unveiled by the attraction’s developers.
The 400,000sq m (4.3m sq ft) park will have sections showcasing different eras of Crimea, including areas past, present and future – from a Russian perspective. Attractions at the park will include a climbing wall, laser games and multiple performance venues.
In a statement, Russia’s minister of Economic Development, Svetlana Verba Losifovna, said: “The park will bring together both educational and entertainment components, and will be the largest amusement park in Eastern Europe. The Crimean peninsula still lacks facilities for a year-round family holiday, to discover something new, interesting, entertaining and associated with the native region.
“We hope that the park is a popular tourist attraction all year round and is the pride of Crimea as one of its main attractions.”
Crimea – recently annexed by Russia from the Ukraine, leading to the 2014 dispute over sovereignty and control of the peninsula – will be home to two historical theme parks, although any plans will come up against strict anti-Russian import sanctions put in place by the EU/US as a result of the Crimea dispute and Putin’s support of Ukrainian rebels on the Russia/Ukraine border.
The theme park plan has gained the support and approval of ex-president and current prime minister of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, and has also reportedly been approved by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The park is allowing the public to choose its name, with the frontrunners currently being “Lost Annals Of Time”, “Megalopolis” and “Mega Park”.
In August Vladimir Putin signed a deal with Puy du Fou founder and French politician Philippe de Villiers to bring Puy du Fou to both Moscow and the disputed Crimea region on the Russia/Ukraine border.
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