Aquarelle Ecopark in Maryina Gorka — Online Webcam
History of Aquarelle Ecopark
Aquarelle Ecopark in Maryina Gorka is not just a tourist destination, but an ambitious project conceived as a model for a self-sustaining village of the future. The driving force behind this unique territory was Anatoly Eduardovich Yunitsky, a design engineer and inventor known for his developments in string transport technology. It was his vision that brought together ecology, innovative technologies, and recreation in a single space.
Prior to 2016, the land in the Pukhavichy District of Minsk Region was an abandoned area unsuitable for agriculture. Soil restoration and the creation of an aquatic ecosystem started from scratch. On July 26, 2016, the peasant farm "Yunitskogo" was officially registered, marking the starting point for large-scale work. Initially, the project was conceived as a platform for bringing together specialists in aquatic ecosystem management and conducting soil laboratory research — the scientific component remains an important part of the ecopark's activities to this day.
Nadezhda Lake and the Water System
The central element of the ecopark's landscape is Nadezhda Lake, along whose shores most of the infrastructure is located. This is not the only body of water on the premises — there are a total of 9 lakes and ponds, home to 14 species of fish. Such a high density of water bodies across 168 hectares of territory creates a unique microclimate and ensures the region's biodiversity.
The ecopark's water system is designed with natural drainage and purification in mind. The wooden decking visible from the webcam is laid over shallow sections of the lake and serves simultaneously as observation platforms and walkways. From here, it is convenient to watch waterfowl and fish, especially in the early morning hours when the water surface is still undisturbed by wind ripples.
Wildlife and Vegetation
Aquarelle Ecopark boasts rich biodiversity. Its territory is home to over 40 species of animals and birds, including exotic species and fallow deer. The enclosures are positioned to minimize stress for the inhabitants and provide them with conditions close to their natural habitat. Coniferous trees — spruces and pines — create shaded alleys and serve as a natural barrier between recreation areas and enclosures.
The plant life of the ecopark is equally diverse. Medicinal herbs are cultivated on the grounds, and berry bushes and ornamental plants are planted on the green roofs of the cottages. The green lawns that appear in the webcam frame are maintained in pristine condition thanks to an automatic irrigation system that uses water from the purified ponds.
Infrastructure and Unique Technologies
One of the main attractions of the ecopark is the unmanned yunitmobile, which travels over the lake, zoo, and pedestrian zones at a height of 10 meters. This ground-based transportation system, developed by the project's founder, is a working prototype of urban transport of the future. Yunitmobile passengers can observe the ecopark's territory from above, offering a completely different perspective on nature and architecture.
For events, the ecopark features a large tent with a rotunda covering over 250 sq. m, capable of accommodating up to 300 people. The accommodation system consists of three hotel complexes with cottages of varying comfort levels. All infrastructure is designed with sustainable development principles in mind: solar panels, heat recovery, and rainwater harvesting.
How to Get to Maryina Gorka
Aquarelle Ecopark is located in the Pukhavichy District of Minsk Region, in the town of Maryina Gorka. The distance from the center of Minsk is approximately 50 kilometers along the M1 highway toward Brest. The drive by car takes about 40–50 minutes depending on traffic. For those traveling by public transport, buses and minibuses are available from the "Tsentralny" bus station to Maryina Gorka, followed by a taxi or a walk of about 3 kilometers.
GPS coordinates: 53.76° N, 28.04° E. The ecopark's territory is well marked with signs from the highway — it is difficult to miss the turn. Guest parking is free and can accommodate over 100 vehicles at a time.
Seasonal Features and Weather Conditions
The climate in Maryina Gorka is moderately continental with distinct seasons. In summer, air temperatures in the shade typically range from +20 to +28°C, while in winter they drop to −5 to −12°C. Thanks to the proximity of large bodies of water and coniferous forests, the ecopark's microclimate is milder than the surrounding area: it is cooler in summer due to evaporation from the lake surfaces, and less windy in winter.
The webcam at Aquarelle Ecopark operates around the clock, and depending on the season, viewers see completely different landscapes. In spring, the green lawns are covered with early blooming flowers; in summer, with lush greenery; in autumn, with golden hues of larches and birches. In winter, Nadezhda Lake freezes over, turning into a skating rink, while the wooden decking becomes covered in snow, creating a picturesque winter scene.
What You Can See on the Camera
The webcam at Aquarelle Ecopark broadcasts a view of the central part of the territory, featuring a green lawn, coniferous trees, and wooden decking over the lake's water surface. In the frame are spruces and pines forming a natural green wall, a yellow semi-trailer used as a technical facility, a wooden bench for relaxation, and buildings in the background. On the wooden decking to the left, you can often see ecopark guests strolling along the shore or feeding the fish.
Sun glare in the upper part of the frame is a feature of the lens's orientation relative to the cardinal directions. It partially obstructs visibility during daylight hours but does not interfere with observing the main objects. In cloudy weather or in the evening, the image becomes more evenly lit. The live webcam at Aquarelle Ecopark is an opportunity to see the life of Maryina Gorka's unique ecosystem in real time, without leaving home.
