The park was historically built to provide recreational facilities for the athletes and spectators associated with the neighboring Lia Manoliu Stadium.
Its original name, 23 August Park, commemorated the date of Romania's coup d'état against the pro-Nazi government in 1944.
The park features an artificial lake system that integrates into the broader landscape architecture of the surrounding residential district.
The National Park, known locally as Parcul Național, is a large recreational green space in eastern Bucharest featuring a central artificial lake. Originally inaugurated in 1953 as the '23 August Park' in conjunction with the adjacent national stadium, it serves as a neighborhood leisure hub. The landscape is characterized by dense mature tree cover, paved walking paths, and expansive lawn areas. It provides designated playgrounds for children and several small wooden bridges crossing water channels. The park underwent significant modernization and landscaping efforts to restore its utility for residents. It remains a primary outdoor destination for the local Sector 2 community.
The wooden bridge overlooking the central lake during sunset.
Bring bug spray during summer evenings as the lake area attracts mosquitoes.
The park has limited interior food stalls, so bring your own water and snacks.
Follow the paved paths for the best walking conditions, as interior lawn areas can become muddy after rain.
Avoid visiting late at night as the park has limited illumination in its more secluded wooded sections.
Keep dogs on a leash, use designated trash bins, and do not feed the local waterfowl.
