Kuğulu Park, located in the Kavaklıdere neighborhood of Ankara's Çankaya district, is a small-scale urban park notable for its central urban location. The park is situated on Tunalı Hilmi Street and is surrounded by major arteries such as Atatürk Boulevard and Poland Street. Named after the swans it hosts, the park has also become one of Ankara's symbols.

^{Kuğulu Park (Türkiye Culture Portal)}

History

The area where Kuğulu Park is located was not originally arranged as a park in its early years. This area, resembling a poplar valley, had a natural structure with a stream running through it. This feature also influenced the formation of Kavaklıdere neighborhood, which gave its name to the district where the park is situated. The remaining pond and its surroundings from Kavaklıdere were transformed into a park by the Ankara Municipality in 1958.

The park's initial period did not attract much public interest. However, with the arrangements made by mayor Vedat Dalokay in the 1970s, the park was reshaped and transformed into a recreational area that attracted more visitors. The most significant element defining the park's character during this period was the white swans gifted by the Vienna Municipality. Over time, these swans became a symbol of the park, and the park began to be referred to as "Kuğulu Park," taking its name from these creatures.

According to an account related to the white swans, three swans were later transferred to Seğmenler Park, but died by colliding with tall buildings while flying back to Kuğulu Park from there. Over time, thanks to its natural structure, its location within the city, and the symbolic value created by the swans, Kuğulu Park has become one of Ankara's most well-known and visited public green spaces.

Natural Features and Landscape

Kuğulu Park is a small-scale urban park covering an area of approximately 1.5 hectares. The pond located in the center of the park provides a habitat for various waterfowl such as swans, ducks, and geese. Among the swans living in the park, black swan species (Cygnus atratus) sent from Beijing, People's Republic of China, have also been present in recent years.

In terms of vegetation, the park shows diversity in both tree and shrub groups. Among the tree species predominantly found in the park are poplar, plane, lilac, Judas tree, and hawthorn. These trees offer shaded areas to visitors, while shrub groups and seasonal flowers provide variety in color and texture in the landscape.

A panel providing information about the biodiversity, stating that the park is home to approximately 24 different bird species, is also located at the park entrance. This indicates that the park serves not only as an aesthetic arrangement but also as a functional space for nature observation and environmental awareness.

The park's walking paths, open lawn areas, children's play section, and a small cafeteria demonstrate that the landscape design is structured to integrate with social uses. These elements, along with the plant texture, allow the park to appeal to diverse visitor profiles throughout the year.

^{Kuğulu Park (Türkiye Culture Portal)}

Conservation and Modernization Efforts

Kuğulu Park holds the status of a registered protected site by the Ankara Cultural and Natural Heritage Preservation Board. This registration was made considering the park's historical and natural characteristics. This status of the park has led to various administrative and technical interventions aimed at preserving its landscape structure and ecological integrity.

Due to increasing urbanization pressure and intensive visitor use, maintenance and regulation works have been carried out in the park at various periods. In this context, the park's infrastructure elements, pedestrian paths, plant landscape elements, and conditions related to wildlife have been reviewed, and arrangements have been made, particularly to protect the habitats of birds.

And Evi (And House) and its garden, located at the park's border and also covered by protection, are preserved by the Board of Monuments. Thus, Kuğulu Park and its surroundings are regarded not only as a natural recreational area but also as a cultural environment requiring protection, having established a place in Ankara's urban memory.