Düsseldorf is set to have a new pocket park in the Flingern-Süd neighborhood. The city is transforming a former parking lot into a public green space, creating a small forest in the heart of the city. The park, spanning almost 2,000 square meters, will provide a much-needed green area for residents to enjoy.
On Wednesday, June 21st, Jochen Kral, the Head of the Environment Department, and Doris Törkel, the Head of the Garden, Cemetery, and Forestry Office, symbolically broke ground for the project. Construction is scheduled to begin next week, with the park expected to be open to the public by next spring.
The pocket park on Albertstraße is not only a recreational space but also a response to climate change. “Climate adaptation also means turning previous heat islands into places that provide better air and cooling. The pilot project on Albertstraße sets a new standard in the state capital and also creates an ecologically valuable place to relax in the urban area,” says Jochen Kral.
The park is designed as a light tree grove, featuring 129 new trees and 160 large shrubs. A species-rich meadow will serve as underplanting, adding to the park’s biodiversity. Visitors can explore the park through a circular path and find new benches to rest and enjoy the surroundings, according to Doris Törkel.
The area on Albertstraße was previously part of an allotment garden until the 1990s. It was later used as a parking lot for a car dealership, resulting in a lack of vegetation. To create the forest-like atmosphere, the city will plant the new trees in groups at regular intervals, giving the park a unique character. Additionally, large native shrubs will be planted at the property boundaries, and columnar, fast-growing trees will be added to the southern border as a privacy screen.
The park’s design also incorporates sustainable water management. Rainwater will be collected on-site to water the trees, following the principle of a sponge city. A new gully with a sludge trap will be built on the street to channel the water into a green infiltration trough. Instead of flowing into the sewage system, the water will seep away through the ground. Trenches will lead underground to supply water to the individual tree locations. Furthermore, a cistern will collect cleaned water from a neighboring groundwater remediation plant, ensuring the trees receive irrigation even during periods of low rainfall.
The construction project will commence in the coming months, starting with earthworks and road works. Afterward, there will be a pause until the planting period begins. Over the fall and winter, the city will plant the trees and shrubs, bringing the pocket park to life. The total cost of the project is estimated to be around one million euros, with 900,000 euros funded by the federal program “Adaptation of Urban Spaces to Climate Change.”
The new pocket park on Albertstraße will not only enhance the neighborhood but also provide a valuable green space for Düsseldorf residents to enjoy nature and relax in the heart of the city.
trail estérel 2023
Can expect to find benches and seating areas throughout the park, as well as paths for walking and cycling. The park will also have lighting, making it accessible at all times of the day.
The transformation of the former parking lot into a green space aligns with Düsseldorf’s efforts to become a greener and more sustainable city. The city has been renovating and revitalizing various areas, converting unused spaces into parks and gardens.
The project on Albertstraße not only provides residents with a much-needed green area but also contributes to climate adaptation. By creating a park in the heart of the city, Düsseldorf is combatting the effects of climate change, such as urban heat islands, by providing a cool, shaded space for people to enjoy. The park will also help improve air quality and provide a habitat for various plant and animal species.
With construction set to begin soon, residents can look forward to enjoying the new pocket park by next spring. The park will not only provide a peaceful retreat in the bustling neighborhood but also serve as a symbol of Düsseldorf’s commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation.
This is a smart move by the City of Düsseldorf! By building a new pocket park, they are not only providing a space for relaxation but also adapting to the changing climate. Kudos to them for prioritizing both the environment and citizens’ well-being.
This initiative by the City of Düsseldorf is commendable, as it not only addresses the need for climate adaptation but also prioritizes the well-being and relaxation of its citizens. Creating more pocket parks will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the city but also provide much-needed green spaces for people to unwind and connect with nature. A win-win solution for all!