Bürgerpark Verden Citizens participate in the development of a use and design concept

Potential of the Bürgerpark

The Bürgerpark Verden presents itself as a green space with special potential, e.g. due to the attractive spatial images, the moving relief and natural features. In addition, it has historically interesting structures that are typical of a citizens' park of its time. This can be seen in the formal but also in the landscape-like areas. In addition, the Bürgerpark is an example of a facility that was created through civic engagement in the course of a so-called Promenadenverein (promenade association) from 1883 onwards.

Functional space structure

With regard to the various intended uses, the Bürgerpark was divided into different functional areas in accordance with its spatial and design potential, taking into account the areas with different levels of noise pollution. This spatial division makes it possible to minimise conflicts of use and to carry out an upgrading with efficient use of resources. From north to south, the Bürgerpark is divided into the functional areas "forest-like part with function for circulation", "opportunity space in the area of the former allotments", "area for intergenerational play and sport as well as for noise-insensitive, cultural, garden-related events" and the "park-like area for quiet recreation and aesthetic experience".

Mission statement and goals

The mission statement and the goals for the use and design of the Bürgerpark were derived from the wishes and ideas of the participants, which were jointly developed in the working forums, and implemented in planning. The central guiding objective for the use and design is to strengthen the Bürgerpark as a space for activity, health and well-being (play, sport, moving and walking through) in the "green". Future developments should allow for intergenerational and low barrier use without overly pre-structuring the space. The approach of a sustainable opportunity space for play, sport and events was formulated, which at the same time enables a dynamic appropriation, e.g. for an intercultural kitchen garden.

Key points of the design idea

Linking to the natural features (sand, dunes, pines) and the history of the site (fortification of the dunes in unity with the urban forest).
Evolution of the tangible natural features in the park, in particular the relief.
Formulation of the basic functional structure, which takes into account the local and urban conditions and needs, is sustainable and provides orientation.
Maintenance and enhancement of the historic substance and the old trees.
Enable identification via distinctive interventions.
Promote health and well-being through activity in the "green" (crossing, moving, connecting enable) e.g. jogging, walking, playing with the dog, children's play, bolting, cycling, inline skating.
Allow lively breaks in style through a variety of offers for different generations.
Adapt the path network to the current pattern of use and improved perception of the entrances.
Materials with textures and colours that echo the dune sand theme.
Plants from sandy or soil dry habitats e.g. birch, pine, grasses, herbs, flowering perennials of dry soils.

The importance of civic engagement

The Bürgerpark Verden was created through civic engagement and it is therefore all the more welcome that the city of Verden called on interested citizens to actively support this process in the course of developing this concept. A pleasingly large number of committed citizens with different motives followed this offer, who contributed competently to the working forums and made a significant contribution to the result of the concept. This commitment should be continued and underpinned by project-related offers, as it is precisely the project-related approach that corresponds to today's social concept of commitment.
The goal of all activities is to achieve a sustainable appreciation and anchoring of the citizens' park in the perception of the citizens. This can succeed in finding idealistic and financial supporters for the development and maintenance. Above all, however, sustainable users and friends can be bound to the Bürgerpark, who will also contribute new ideas for the Bürgerpark in the future and justify upcoming investments and the provision of funds for maintenance.

back to overview to the time shades

1. Potential of the Bürgerpark
2. Functional space structure
3. Mission statement and goals
4. Key points of the design idea
5. The importance of civic engagement