Tornparken

Tornparken. A curious name for a park, isn’t it? It whispers of towers and secrets. Let’s uncover those secrets together, right here in the heart of Sundbyberg. Tornparken isn’t just a green space. It’s a living testament to Sundbyberg’s growth and transformation. This park takes its name from the magnificent water tower that stands proudly within its borders. The Vattentornet i Sundbyberg, as it’s known in Swedish, is more than just a landmark. It’s a character in our story. Imagine this park back in the early 1900s, a symbol of the modern Sundbyberg emerging around it. The tower, designed by the renowned architect Ivar Tengbom, was completed in 1912. Tengbom was a giant in Swedish architecture. He is known for iconic buildings like Enskilda Banken and the Stockholm School of Economics. His vision for the water tower was no less grand. Clad in Helsingborg brick with a striking cross-bond pattern, the tower stands 27 meters tall. It boasts five floors, including the cistern on the fifth floor which once held 400 cubic meters of water. Water, pumped all the way from Brunkebergsåsen near Ulriksdal, flowed into this tower. It then flowed out to the growing community, sustaining life and progress. Tornparken thrived alongside it. This wasn’t just a place for quiet contemplation. It was a social hub, a place where the community gathered. A dance floor once beckoned residents to swing and sway. During the 1940s and 50s, it was the place to be, the heart of Sundbyberg’s social scene. Midsommar celebrations, orchestrated by the Sundbybergs Hembygdsförening, filled the park with laughter and music. Later, in the 1970s, allsang, or community singing, echoed through the trees. Tornparken continued to evolve. A paddling pool provided summer fun for children. A playground and football field offered spaces for activity and recreation. Sadly, a community center once located in the park was destroyed by fire in 2003. Despite the setback, the park remains a beloved part of Sundbyberg. But our story wouldn’t be complete without a touch of irony. In 1926, just fourteen years after its grand opening, the water tower became obsolete. Sundbyberg switched its water source to Görväln in Mälaren. The tower’s primary function was gone. Yet, it continued to stand tall, a silent observer of the community’s continued growth. Years later, the community rallied around their beloved tower, voting to transform it into a café. Today, you can enjoy a coffee or a meal inside this magnificent structure. The tower is protected, ensuring its presence in Tornparken for generations to come. So, as you stroll through Tornparken, take a moment to appreciate its story. It’s a story of ambition, innovation, and community. It’s the story of a tower that became a symbol, a park that became a heart. It’s the story of Tornparken.