For years, Baesweiler boasted a standout feature on its western edge: Carl Alexander Park, which transformed a dormant mining-era slag heap into a living landscape. Now the eastern side of town has its match: DTP Landscape Architects from Essen have reimagined the area surrounding the indoor pool, sports field, and tennis courts as a vibrant sports and community park. By refreshing traditional recreational offerings and introducing innovative facilities, they've created a multifunctional sports landscape for everyone—competitive athletes, children at play, thrill-seeking teens, weekend joggers, and leisurely strollers alike. Since opening in spring 2023, this 8.5-hectare park has become a beloved hub that transcends age, ability, and neighborhood boundaries.

The design centers on a landscape philosophy: a park that flows naturally around the sports facilities while offering distinct zones for both active play and quiet respite. Achieving this vision required planting new trees, establishing wildflower meadows, and implementing a sustainable rainwater management strategy. The team also restructured existing recreational spaces thoughtfully. In the southern section, they integrated a trend sports facility and expanded the existing dirt bike track into a full fun sports park. Relocating the skate halfpipe opened space for a generous lawn dotted with tree clusters—an inviting gathering spot between the mini golf and splash pad. The park's new loop path serves dual purpose: it connects visitors to all the park's varied attractions while marking a measured running course. The route alternates between buzzing activity zones and wide-open spaces that open toward the surrounding landscape. Along Parkstraße—the park's neighborhood-facing edge—the path gains special character through an "entrance portal" that guides visitors in: striking sightlines, street prints, and red markers create visual intrigue that draws people into the park and seamlessly blends it with the city beyond. The park's northeastern section concentrates activity with a football pitch, multipurpose court, boules area, and new skate facility—a genuine draw for active visitors. A spacious paved plaza anchors the western edge of this zone, offering clear sightlines and access to every facility. From here, pathways meander through the area with fitness stations positioned along the edges, inviting movement at every turn. Strategic desealing and extensive wildflower meadows have nurtured biodiversity throughout. The result: a dynamic interplay between sport and nature that strengthens this location and builds toward the future.

www.dtp-essen.de

Photos:
Nikolai Benner
www.nikolaibenner.de

(Published in CUBE Cologne Bonn 01|25)