ha of new lawns and flowerbeds were laid out. All amusement rides but one, a two deck carousel, have been removed in order to transform the place into a recreational zone. Abandoned buildings, carts, tents, advertising structures and attractions were cleaned in the process. Renovation of monuments, cleaning the ponds and delivering soil and grass turf was started. Gorky Park was transformed in several months, becoming the first Russian park that could now compete with the leading parks of the world. A 15,000 square meter ice rink, with separate zones for children, hockey, dancing, and general skating, was officially opened in December 2011. In winter, a skating school of Alexei Yagudin runs on the skating rink. Shortly after he took over the park, Sergei Kapkov was appointed to the role of Moscow Government Minister and Head of the Department of Cultural Heritage. Olga Zakharova has since replaced Sergei Kapkov and has held the position ever since. In popular culture The Moscow river and park is referenced in the song Wind of Change, by German hard rock band Scorpions. The novel Gorky Park takes its title from the park. References External links Official Gorky Park website A photo gallery Summer Education program in Gorky Park The woman behind Gorky Park’s rebirth 1928 establishments in Russia Amusement parks in Russia Maxim Gorky Parks and gardens in Moscow Cultural heritage monuments of regional significance in Moscow