A $5 Sandbox Sparks Outrage in Chernivtsi: New Paid Play Area Opens Amid Controversy

Controversy Over Paid Sandbox in Chernivtsi's Central Park

According to Главком: Residents of Chernivtsi are expressing frustration after a new children's sandbox named “Maldives” opened in the Taras Shevchenko Central Park of Culture and Recreation-with a daily fee of 150 hryvnias (about $5). The sandbox launched over the past weekend, but city officials did not disclose its paid nature when initially promoting the new attraction for kids. This lack of transparency has fueled public discontent.

An information sign near the sandbox also failed to list the entry cost, further angering parents. Park administration has confirmed that the new facility operates on a paid basis. Central Park Director Artur Boshtan explained that creating the play area required significant investment.

“We brought in white quartz sand, which has almost no equivalent in the region, purchased high-quality Ukrainian toys from a manufacturer in Ivano-Frankivsk region, and maintain the space daily.” - Artur Boshtan

Pricing and Discounts for Visitors

Administration officials emphasized that the fee covers land rental, taxes, staff salaries, child safety measures, and playground maintenance. Free access is granted to:

• children of combatants,
• children with disabilities,
• children who have lost family members due to the war.

Other eligible groups receive a reduced rate of 100 hryvnias.

In a separate recent incident in Chernivtsi, rescuers freed a man who had been trapped in a drainage pit for five days without food or water. He fell into a three-meter-deep well due to a missing manhole cover. Emergency crews used specialized equipment to lift him out and handed him over to medical personnel.

This situation highlights the challenges locals face amid rising service costs, especially during economic instability. Authorities must improve communication with the community to prevent such misunderstandings in the future. Nonetheless, the new sandbox could become an appealing destination for children and parents if their concerns about pricing are addressed.