Imagine a green ribbon unfurling above a bustling highway. That’s the Carl-Weder-Park.
This park in Berlin is named after Carl Weder. He was a co-founder of the Neubritz colony and a master bookbinder.
The Carl-Weder-Park sits atop the Britz core tunnel of the A 100 highway. The highway threatened to split Britz in two. To prevent this, a 1700-meter tunnel was built. It opened in July 2000. The tunnel’s roof was then transformed into the Carl-Weder-Park.
Think of the Carl-Weder-Park as a bridge. It links Volkspark Hasenheide to the north with Britzer Garden. It also connects green spaces around the Teltow Canal.
The Berlin Senate Department for Urban Development commissioned the park. The firm Seebauer, Wefers and Partner designed it. Construction took place in three phases. The Carl-Weder-Park was completed in 1999 and 2000. The park spans 6.6 hectares. The construction cost 8.8 million German marks.
The Carl-Weder-Park is divided into twelve sections. Each offers a unique experience.
Starting from the west, you’ll find a playground. Its theme is sea and beach. Next, a lawn with seating and a pergola. Then, a garden of tranquility awaits. Hortensias and ferns surround benches. These invite visitors to linger.
Another playground follows. This one with a mountain theme. The Friedrichsbrunner Straße city square comes next. It features steps reminiscent of a grandstand.
The sixth section is another playground. This space caters to older children. It includes a volleyball court and ping-pong tables. A pine garden with small walls follows this.
A larger garden area boasts perennials and roses. Another playground evokes Neubritz’s earlier buildings. The Bendastraße city square is next. It takes its name from the street to the north.
East of the square are two orchards with shrubs and roses. Finally, the Green Classroom completes the Carl-Weder-Park. This amphitheater provides an outdoor classroom.
From 2003 to 2010, the Werkstatt für Veränderung art project took place here. Seraphina Lenz organized it.
Sadly, the Carl-Weder-Park has faced vandalism. Young trees have been felled. These attacks are not isolated incidents.
The Carl-Weder-Park isn’t just a park. It’s a testament to innovative urban planning. It’s a place where nature thrives above the rumble of the city. It offers recreation, connection, and a breath of fresh air for all.