AUA Hosts Opening of Triangle Park–Karen Kakosian Gardens

AUA President Dr. Bruce Boghosian cutting the ribbon to the newly opened AUA Triangle Park–Karen Kakosian Gardens on June 4

A New Space for Community, Reflection, and Growth

YEREVAN — The American University of Armenia on June 4 hosted the highly anticipated opening and ribbon cutting of the AUA Triangle Park–Karen Kakosian Gardens. 

The vision behind the park was to create a new green space for both the AUA community and residents of Yerevan. The park carries the name of Karen Kakosian, AUA supporter and philanthropist, and embodies a legacy of generosity, community service, and dedication to future generations. 

Although construction has not yet been fully completed, in consideration of the inconvenience for community members walking from Vagharshyan Street to Baghramyan Avenue, the AUA administration decided to hold a soft opening and make the park accessible to the community as soon as possible. The central corridor will remain open for public use, while the remaining minor adjustments and finishing touches will be completed in the coming weeks.

More than 120 new trees and multiple green spaces are already shaping the park’s landscape. While the transformation is already visible, it will take several seasons for the trees and shrubs to fully mature and reach their final appearance.

Once the construction is fully completed, the park will serve as a vibrant and green meeting place for both the AUA community and local residents. Accessible to persons with physical disabilities and limitations, the terraced landscape introduces a snake path into the park, spaces for play, sports, and accommodation areas. 

AUA President Dr. Bruce Boghosian presided over the event that welcomed AUA community members, donors, and supporters; Chair of the AUA Board of Trustees Zaven P. Akian; members of the AUA Board of Trustees; Head of the Arabkir Administrative district Suren Varosyan; His Excellency Dr. Narek Mkrtchyan, Ambassador of Armenia to the United States of America and AUA alumnus, and other distinguished guests.

In his remarks, Dr. Boghosian expressed his gratitude to the Kakosian and Avedisian families for their invaluable contributions, to Yerevan Municipality for support of the initiative, and to the many individuals and organizations whose collective efforts helped transform the vision of a revitalized park into reality. “Today’s event marks more than the opening of a space. It is a testament to the power of partnership and shared vision: a gift from AUA to our beautiful city. I hope the AUA Triangle Park–Kakosian Gardens will serve as a place of connection, learning, and inspiration for many years to come,” he remarked.

Head of the Arabkir Administrative District Suren Varosyan emphasized the value of the partnership between AUA and the Yerevan Municipality, commended the high quality of the renovation, and reaffirmed his support for future projects that contribute to community development and the expansion of green public spaces in the city.

AUA alumnus and Kakosian Scholarship recipient Gor Ghazaryan (BAB ’25) expressed gratitude to Dr. Kakosian for his support of student scholarships and the creation of the park, highlighting the lasting impact of his investment in education and community.

A neighborhood resident, Tsoleen Sarian, also delivered remarks, expressing gratitude to everyone whose vision and efforts made the park’s renovation possible and noting that she looked forward to seeing it continue to serve students, neighbors, and visitors.

In his turn, Dr. Kakosian thanked AUA leadership, the Municipality of Yerevan, his family, and all those whose dedication and collaboration helped bring the project to fruition.

The selection of the architectural and construction firms for the Triangle Park’s design and construction was made through open bidding processes. The landscape architect of the park Ruud Dubbeld from MTD Landscapers, Netherlands, was also present at the event. He reflected on the six-year journey of designing and realizing the park project, noting that despite numerous challenges, the project successfully transformed a competition-winning concept into a sustainable, climate-resilient green space for students, local residents, and the wider Yerevan community. 

In conclusion, speaking on behalf of the AUA Board of Trustees, Chair Zaven P. Akian remarked, “This park was conceived not just as a campus enhancement, but as a true public space — one that connects the University with the surrounding neighborhoods and reflects our belief that AUA should remain open, engaged, and integrated with the community around it.”

Prior to the completion of the renovation, the park was used intensively by residents of the neighborhood and AUA community but lacked quality, atmosphere, and maintenance. In 2020, an extensive study was carried out by AUA students, through which inhabitants’ wishes and ideas were collected and analyzed through a Stakeholder Engagement Process. The results of this research served as the starting point for the park’s concept design, which ensured that the park is climate adaptive in every season, strengthening local biodiversity, and implements smart energy and technologies.

The Park project was initially made possible through a grant from the Office of American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) that was awarded in September 2019. Following the closure of USAID, the project was completed with a generous donation from Dr. Karen Kakosian, whose commitment to AUA is also reflected in the establishment of the Kakosian Family Scholarships, and the Avedisian Family Foundation, one of AUA’s major benefactors, which has supported numerous educational and infrastructure initiatives across the University. The location of the project was provided to the University by the Yerevan Municipality for unrestricted use for 25 years. 

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.

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