Dreieichpark

Hidden within Offenbach, Dreieichpark whispers tales of innovation and resilience. Dreieichpark’s story begins in 1879, with the Second Hessian State Trade Exhibition. Imagine the buzz of activity as over 800 exhibitors, including 238 from Offenbach itself, showcased their wares. Dreieichpark was the chosen site, a sprawling open space on the then western outskirts of the city. The exhibition illuminated Offenbach with the city’s first electric lights, powered by Siemens & Halske carbon arc lamps. This marked a turning point, a symbol of Offenbach’s embrace of progress. The exhibition even turned a profit, a hefty 40,000 marks that funded a new building for the Kunstgewerbeschule at Mathildenplatz, the predecessor of today’s Hochschule für Gestaltung Offenbach am Main. When the exhibition ended, the temporary halls vanished. Yet, the landscaping remained. The planted trees, the tranquil ponds, the charming bridges, and the elegant music pavilion formed the foundation of Dreieichpark. This marked the birth of Offenbach’s first public park, a testament to the city’s commitment to green spaces. Dreieichpark wasn’t just a park; it fostered the development of an upscale residential area in Offenbach’s Westend. Now, let’s talk about something truly extraordinary within Dreieichpark: Germany’s oldest surviving unreinforced concrete structures. Built for the 1879 exhibition by the Offenbach cement factory Feege & Gotthardt, these structures were meant to be temporary. A 16-meter wide arched beam spanning a pedestrian walkway and a domed pavilion showcase the versatility of concrete, a material then novel in Germany. Intended to last only three months, they defied expectations. They stood firm, witnesses to changing times, while other exhibition structures crumbled. These concrete marvels have faced their own challenges. By 1970, decay threatened their existence, but donations sparked a restoration. A steel tension band now reinforces the arched beam, and two of the temple’s columns have been replaced. Further restorations in 1984 and 2006, funded by the city, ensured their continued presence. Even in 2014, a supporting wooden framework became necessary to guarantee stability. Today, while the pavilion remains closed to the public for safety reasons, the structures still inspire awe. Dreieichpark today is more than just a historical site. It’s a vibrant community hub. Since 2002, the park has hosted a weekly closing service for the Evangelical Friedenskirchengemeinde on the Saturday before the fourth Advent, complete with a musical program. Since 2009, Sunday concerts around the music pavilion fill the air with light classical music during the summer months. Dreieichpark’s journey from a trade exhibition ground to a beloved park reflects Offenbach’s own transformation, a blend of history, innovation, and community spirit.