IOR Park, also known as Alexandru Ioan Cuza Park or Titan, is one of the largest and most beautiful parks in Bucharest. If you are wondering where the name IOR comes from, as many probably feel to do, you should know that next to the park is the Romanian Optical Enterprise factory, which also gave the park its name.

Located in sector 3 of the capital, this park attracts both tourists and locals eager to enjoy nature and recreation amid the hustle and bustle of the city. 

History and evolution of IOR Park

Development of the park began in 1965 on the site of a former brick factory around Lake Titan and was completed five years later. The park's trees were planted with the help of Titan residents themselves, who were schoolchildren at the time, so many of them today walk their children and grandchildren through a piece of their personal history, along alleys lined with trees planted by them and their schoolmates. 

In recent years, the park has undergone a whole process of landscaping and renovation, with new playgrounds (for both young and older children), soccer fields, basketball courts, ping-pong tables, fitness equipment and more.

The park is also home to the Church of the Holy Spirit, built of wood in the Maramureș style between 1994-1996 on the initiative of the priest Adrian Neculcea.  

On the lake there are also several little islands that can be explored at your leisure: Pensioners' Island, where plays or summer movie nights take place, Dogs' Island, where only pet owners are allowed, Art Island, Ducks' Island, where you can feed the birds and Fishermen's Island, where you can find fishing enthusiasts in the morning, despite the signs saying that fishing is forbidden. 

What can you do in IOR Park?

IOR Park is the second largest in Bucharest. It covers an area of 85 hectares, surpassed in size only by Herăstrău Park, which measures almost 200 hectares. Here you can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities and relaxing natural spaces:

1. Relaxing and hiking

The park offers numerous paths and green spaces where you can take relaxing walks or hikes in a pleasant natural setting. The well-maintained alleyways and groves of trees are ideal for disconnecting from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoying the fresh air.

2. Sports activities

For sports enthusiasts, the IOR Park is equipped with tennis courts, soccer and basketball courts, as well as running and cycling tracks and fitness facilities. These facilities make the park ideal for spending leisure time in an active and healthy way.

3. Boating on Lake IOR

The lake in the middle of the park is not only a beautiful backdrop, but also offers the possibility to go boating during the right season. It's a great way to admire the park landscape from a different perspective.

4. Playgrounds for children

For families with children, the IOR Park also includes modern play areas equipped with slides, swings and other facilities to keep the little ones occupied and happy.

In the jetty area, children can enjoy watching turtles, ducks, swans, swans, lizards and seagulls on the lake.

5. Cultural events and exhibitions

The park regularly hosts various cultural events, art exhibitions and festivals, bringing the community together in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

In the warm season, specific fairs are organized periodically in the area of the statue of the Big Horse: Turkish, Meditereanean, Romanian, Indian, Chinese, etc., as well as concerts with the participation of great Romanian artists.

In the cold season, the park is spectacularly decorated with thousands of lights and colors, making it a real pleasure to stroll through the park's generous alleys. Also, every year, around the winter holidays, the winter fair is organized, dedicated to this time of the year, and delights us with traditional Romanian food (for example: sarmale, tochitură, ciorbe, etc.), but also with specific sweets (homemade chocolate, cozonac, chec, gingerbread, etc.), along with the inevitable mulled wine with orange and cinnamon. Santa's ice rink is the most popular place of the season, where you can skate for free, you only need to buy your skates, unless you bring them from home, in which case they are completely free.

In addition to its recreational facilities, IOR Park also plays an important role in urban nature and biodiversity conservation. Various species of birds and plants can be seen here, and efforts to maintain and improve the habitat help protect the environment.

IOR Park. Accessibility and infrastructure

Hundreds of parking spaces are provided around the park, for a fee, and you need to follow the instructions on the signs to pay.

The park is well connected to Bucharest's public transportation network, facilitating access for visitors from all parts of the city. It is also equipped with facilities such as public toilets, benches, refreshment kiosks and picnic areas, ensuring a comfortable experience for all who visit.

IOR Park is more than just a green space in the middle of the city; it is a vibrant and dynamic place that offers diversity and opportunities for all ages and interests. Whether you're looking for relaxation, sporting activities or cultural experiences, IOR Park is destined to offer you a pleasant escape in the midst of nature, right in the heart of Bucharest.