This two-part art postcard from 1985 depicts views of the Kherson Hydropark: the building of the themed children’s cafe “Zolotoy Klyuchik” (Golden Key) and a panorama of a busy river beach.
What is shown on the postcard
The left side of the postcard shows the facade of the “Zolotoy Klyuchik” children’s cafe, styled like a fairy-tale castle with white walls, semi-circular decorative towers, arched windows, and a weather vane on a spire. Two women are walking along a paved path next to a stone retaining wall. The right side displays the wide sandy beach of the Hydropark on the Kosheva River (a branch of the Dnieper) with beachgoers, a motorboat on the water, and dense green trees in the background.
Historical note
The Hydropark on Malyi Potomkin Island was established in the 1960s–1970s as the primary recreational zone for Kherson residents. Styled after the famous fairy tale, the “Zolotoy Klyuchik” children’s cafe opened during the Soviet era. It was highly popular among families with children due to its playful castle-like architecture and selection of sweets and ice cream.
Present day
In the post-Soviet period, the cafe ceased operations, and the building fell into decay and was eventually ruined. In June 2023, the Kherson Hydropark territory suffered severe flooding following the breach of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant dam.
Location (map)
Address: Malyi Potomkin Island, Hydropark, Kherson, Ukraine
Coordinates: 46.611500, 32.618000
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Coordinates of the beach and the former cafe site in the Kherson Hydropark.
Questions and answers
- Where was the Zolotoy Klyuchik cafe located in Kherson? The cafe was located within the Kherson Hydropark on Malyi Potomkin Island.
- What is depicted on the right side of the postcard? The right side shows a panoramic view of the Hydropark’s sandy beach with visitors and a motorboat on the Kosheva River.
- What is the current status of the site? The former cafe building is abandoned and ruined, and the Hydropark area was heavily damaged by the major flooding in June 2023.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Kherson from 1985.
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