Volkspark Köpenick, nestled in the heart of the Treptow-Köpenick district of Berlin, is a serene oasis that has been captivating visitors since its opening in 1929. Designed by the renowned garden director Erwin Barth, this park offers a delightful escape from the bustling city life, inviting you to unwind amidst its lush greenery and picturesque landscapes.
The story of Volkspark Köpenick begins with the completion of the Köpenick Hospital. The local council decided to transform the adjacent area into a public park, creating a green lung for the residents and patients. Initial plans were drawn up as early as 1913, but it wasn't until 1926-1929 that the park took its present form. Under the expert guidance of Erwin Barth, the park was meticulously crafted with straight avenues, flower beds, benches, and sunbathing lawns, offering a tranquil retreat for all.
During the 1980s, under the German Democratic Republic, the park underwent minor modifications under the supervision of the district building office and chief architect Roland Korn. These changes ensured that the park retained its charm while adapting to the needs of the time.
Spanning nearly seven hectares, Volkspark Köpenick is a triangular green space that sits opposite the Köpenick Hospital. The park is adorned with ornamental plantings of decorative lawns and perennial borders, particularly along its eastern edge. The park is easily accessible through multiple entrances and is designed to be wheelchair-friendly, ensuring that everyone can enjoy its beauty.
In the 2010s, the construction of a refugee shelter nearby necessitated the felling of some trees. However, the Köpenick Green Spaces Office took this opportunity to plant new pines within the park, maintaining its lush canopy.
In 2015, an information board was installed at the main entrance of the park, thanks to the initiative of the local heritage association. This board, funded by the association's own resources, provides visitors with insights into the park's history and showcases historical views, enriching the experience for all who visit.
A tree census conducted in 2016 revealed that the park is home to an impressive 810 trees, including oaks, maples, pines, black locusts, black walnuts, and lindens. This diverse collection of trees creates a vibrant and ever-changing landscape throughout the seasons, making each visit a unique experience.
At the heart of Volkspark Köpenick lies an open, gently contoured play and sunbathing lawn. This central area is flanked by two playgrounds equipped with slides, seesaws, swings, and climbing frames, making it a haven for families with children. Table tennis tables and ball game areas further enhance the park's recreational offerings, ensuring there's something for everyone.
In 2016, the park hosted its inaugural Balloon and Kite Festival on the central lawn. Organized by the Allende 2 hilft association and Refugees Welcome, this event brought together the local community and residents of the nearby refugee container village, fostering a sense of unity and celebration.
Volkspark Köpenick is not just a haven for nature lovers but also a canvas for artistic expression. In 1927, the Berlin magistrate relocated the Spindler Fountain, originally installed on the Spittelmarkt in 1891, to the park. This move facilitated the redesign of the Spittelmarkt. However, in 1981, the fountain was dismantled and reinstalled at its original location in Berlin's historic city center.
Following the political changes in Germany, the Berlin Senate undertook efforts to restore the park according to its original plans. In 2003, the Köpenick district office commissioned a new fountain to replace the Spindler Fountain. Designed by artist Hans Loidl from the Loidl Landscape Architects studio, this new artwork features a rectangular pedestal and a 3.5-meter-high tower within a fountain basin, both crafted from yellow bricks. The installation is further enhanced by small fountains and integrated benches, creating a charming and interactive space that doubles as a paddling pool.
To protect the park's amenities from graffiti and vandalism, the local heritage association collaborated with Panterdesign and students from the Wilhelm-Bölsche School in Friedrichshagen to create artistic designs for the park's urban furniture. In 2017, the association also adorned the park's octagonal metal waste bins with photos of Köpenick's landmarks, funded by the Senate's Colorful Neighborhood program.
Volkspark Köpenick is more than just a park; it's a living testament to the harmonious blend of nature, history, and community spirit. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat, a place for family fun, or a spot to appreciate art and culture, this park offers a delightful experience for all. So, take a stroll through its tree-lined avenues, relax on its sun-drenched lawns, and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Volkspark Köpenick.
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