Have you heard the story of a park that was born from gunpowder? Right in front of us is the Fritz-Encke-Volkspark, a green oasis in the heart of Cologne. It wasn’t always this peaceful place. Before it was a park, it was the site of a munitions factory, an important part of Cologne’s defenses during World War I. When peace returned, the city needed a space for its people to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
In 1922, the city’s director of horticulture, Fritz Encke, was tasked with transforming the former munitions factory into a vibrant park. He envisioned a place where everyone could connect with nature. He designed the Fritz-Encke-Volkspark with a variety of spaces to meet different needs. He made a reading garden, a natural theater, and even a dance floor. The Dance Floor, designed with a circular lawn at its center, was intended to be a space where communities could gather and dance, much like the ancient Greek amphitheaters.
Fritz Encke’s vision was to create a green oasis that was not just beautiful, but also functional. It was a place where people could escape the bustle of city life and enjoy a tranquil setting while staying connected to the city. Even today, the Fritz-Encke-Volkspark continues to offer a peaceful sanctuary, a place for relaxation and reflection. You can still see the circular lawn, the remains of the circular wall that protected the original gunpowder magazine, and the raised seating areas. It’s amazing to think that this peaceful place once was where weapons were made. It’s a reminder of the city’s history and its transformation after the war.