The park in Ulus was established on approximately 28 hectares of land covered with swamps in the early years of the Republic. A portion of the land designated for the park included a football field named "Ay Yıldız" (Crescent and Star). Construction began in 1936, and the park opened to the public on May 19, 1943. The initial plan included a bird garden, an open-air theater, a children's playground, a labyrinth, a swimming pool, and a 2200-meter walking path. Gençlik Park is notable for its 150-meter Ferris wheel and 45-meter elevator. Loved by not only children but all Ankara residents, Gençlik Park has become etched in memory as the sole destination for entertainment. Renovated in 2007, 2008, and 2009, the park saw the establishment of Türkiye's first science center through a collaboration between the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality and the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK).