Speckenbüttel Health Park, Bremerhaven Conversion of a landscape park into a modern health park

Since 2001, a 19th century landscape park has been transformed into a "health park" with various aspects of health promotion.

Speckenbütteler Park is the oldest green space in Bremerhaven. It was created from the middle of the 19th century onwards due to the civic initiative of Lehe's townspeople, partly in the style of an English landscape garden. Situated at the gates of the town of Lehe, it was the most important recreational area as well as a cultural and social centre and was visited by thousands of citizens on weekends for sporting events, theatre performances, strolling and boating. As part of the overall work of art, the park gate still stands today.

Due to economic and social developments, the park and the park use changed - large areas were covered with coniferous wood, forest-like stands took over. The park as an excursion destination and place of recreation lost its appeal and significance. The historic multi-storey car park stood empty for years.

In 2001, the horticultural department of the magistrate of the maritime city of Bremerhaven submitted a master plan that envisaged the careful redesign under the theme of "health and wellness". The social megatrend towards individual health care and greater body awareness combined with well-being and relaxation was anchored as a program.
The park has been gradually programmatically redesigned since then, especially after the closure of the outdoor pool located in the park in 2003.

In 2003, the so-called Willow Castle, northern Germany's largest living structure, was created. 300 helpers were involved in the construction under the leadership of the Swiss living architect and construction and action artist Marcel Kalberer.

The unique "Alley of Healing Trees", the approximately 20-meter "Yin and Yang Square" located on the shore of the large boating pond, the water fountain controllable from the shore became new highlights of the park.

In 2009, the park is renamed "Health Park Speckenbüttel". The focus on health is reflected in many attractive uses, such as a fitness trail with modern fitness equipment for young and old, a Kneipp water treading facility in the boating pond and a Finn track for running that is easy on the joints.

High ropes course, basketball court and BMX track as a mud trail complete the range of possible activities.

The park today offers a unique experience with modern health-promoting outdoor offerings and fitness center located in the historic parking garage or just to relax.

The experience of nature is complemented by opportunities for nature exploration and sensory perception, such as on the barefoot trail. There is a forest nature trail and regular natural history tours. The avenue of healing trees unites different tree species with health-promoting active substances. Signs with information on active substances and effects are located in the immediate vicinity of the trees.

With the historic building fabric such as the park gate and powder shed and the folklore open-air museum with Geesthofanlage and Marschenhaus and the replica of the Bockwindmühle have been preserved witnesses of the past.

Classical elements of a park such as rose garden, lawn for sunbathing, barbecue area, play and sports field, boating, mini golf, boules course and 3 playgrounds round off the offer.

The "Lichterspektakel", which has been held for 10 years always on the last Friday in September, enjoys great popularity.

The health park Speckenbüttel is continuously developed programmatically.

Citizen participation and private or club-based involvement are writ large.

In 2013, a new footbridge in the water, new outdoor fitness equipment and much more is to be built.

Texte: Ute Rößler, Magistrate of the City of Bremerhaven