The Wall Park

The Mauerpark between the former districts of Wedding and Prenzlauer Berg was the first park planned after the fall of the Wall. Based on a design by Gustav Lange, the first half, in the former eastern part of the city, was completed in 1994. In the following years it was extended to the north. The western half is still awaiting completion today (8/2012).

The area is immediately adjacent to the Friedrich Ludwig Jahn Sports Park and Falkplatz. Mauerpark links east and west and enhances the recreational amenities for the high-density inner city neighborhoods. Key elements are the large meadow on the plain, a clearing in the city, and the embankment towards the stadium, which opens up an excellent view to the west. The course of the Vorderland wall, which ran here in two places in succession due to an exchange of territory, is marked by paths. The first, eastern course of the wall is highlighted by the recovered Schwedter Straße. The later, western course of the wall currently forms the boundary of the realized park section in the west. In the northern extension there is a children's farm and play facilities.

Characteristic of the concept is the retention of the emptiness that characterized this space both as a railway site and as a border strip. It is reinterpreted as a clearing in the city. The large central lawn, which allows the experience of space in the midst of dense development, is held on the east side by the slope that forms the back of the Jahn sports stadium. The former boundary lines, which ran here in two places, are traced by paths.

The rediscovered Schwedter Strasse forms the baseline at the foot of the slope. Parallel to it, the middle path, later to be accompanied by trees and statues, will lead north. It marks the boundary line after the area swap in 1988 and currently completes the first construction phase. Between these two lines, a flight of steps, followed by a grove, forms the prelude to the Mauerpark. The Hinterland Wall, covered in graffiti, remains as the border between the stadium and the park, as does the asphalt path. Here it is permitted to continue painting the wall. (There was hope that this would spare other park elements from graffiti. However, this has not materialized). Granite blocks provide seating, and large swings swing far into the space. The hillside itself, for which Tuscany served as a model, was to be transformed into a sea of blossoms in spring and early summer. However, due to intensive use, only the more robust plants were able to survive. The heavy use of the amphitheater leads again and again to erosion phenomena in this area.

If one approaches the park from the south, tree-covered steps form the entrance area. East of Schwedter Street, a zigzag path leads up the embankment. Continuing west along Schwedter Strasse, granite-framed rectangular areas push into the lawn. Cut cubes of evergreen conifers are interspersed. Then visitors encounter a collection of rough-hewn granite stones, loosely overhung by ash trees. Opposite, an amphitheatre blends into the hillside. To the west, again, a basketball court adjoins. Originally, a water table was to be built here, but this could not be financed. The northern end is formed by a square of cut conifers, in which deciduous trees stand.

On the gravel surface above a tunnel, birch trees form a sparse grove, with ivy and hornbeams accompanying the retaining wall. Numerous blue scilla under the birches provide a charming picture in spring. This area was initially separated by a fence and a dog barrier. But the dog ban was permanently disregarded, which is why the fence was removed. The playground, which is placed at the northern end of the meadow, was originally supposed to be placed under trees in the western part. But this was too long in coming. The pole nearby is a student project. Both elements are contrary to the concept of a free open clearing and are to be relocated with the expansion of the park.

The north area is accessed at Gleim Street by a flight of steps and via an entrance area at the children's farm with granite steps and ramp. These bound an intensive use play area (asphalt surface) with a streetball facility and tree plantings. Further to the north is another play area with a climbing rock. The main path axis is interrupted by a sunken garden. Pastures, meadows and planting areas, some of which can be used by the existing children's farm, characterize the public park area.

The Mauerpark was the first park in the style of the second modernism, which was realized in Berlin. It was and is very well received, has become a real tourist attraction. Its substance is considerably attacked and there are serious problems with garbage and dog waste, especially on or after weekends due to the neighboring flea market and regular Sunday karaoke events. The currently very intensive use overtaxes any lawn area. This is another reason why the extension is urgently needed.