Imagine stepping back in time to the 1960s when the idea for the Ostpark first took root. It was a time when Munich was expanding. City planners envisioned a green oasis for the residents of Neuperlach.
The Ostpark’s story begins in 1918. City officials discussed a park for eastern districts. But these plans became real when Neuperlach was planned in 1962. The landscape architect Ludwig Roemer designed the park. He wanted to integrate recreational facilities into the new settlement. The city gradually developed the park.
In 1962, the construction of the Ostpark was formally approved. Roemer created a preliminary design by 1965. The first construction phase was approved in 1969. It covered 15.75 hectares in the east. The crucial work was done in 1973. The city council approved the second phase in 1975. The first section opened to the public on July 22, 1975. The second section opened in 1979. It included the lake, a restaurant and sports facilities. The entire 56-hectare park officially opened on May 27, 1982. The park celebrated its 30th anniversary with a big festival from July 18-27, 2003.
The Ostpark arose from a flat field. It transformed into a park with lawns, wooded hills, and water features. It became a popular recreational area.
The hills are made from construction rubble from Neuperlach and the subway. Garden architect Josef Wurzer created a 3.5-hectare lake with a large island. It is fed by groundwater wells. The Hachinger Bach was not used to feed the lake. This was for water protection reasons. The path around the island is 700 meters long. In winter, it becomes a popular ice-skating track.
The Ostpark offers many activities. There are ball courts, table tennis, and ice stock lanes. A small open-air stage called the Theatron is also present. The Michaeligarten beer garden is on the lake’s north shore. It has 3,000 seats and a restaurant. An ice-skating stadium with a 400-meter track is integrated. The Michaelibad outdoor pool borders the park since 1955. The Michaelibad indoor pool was added in 1973.
Until 2019, the FestSpielHaus youth center was south of the park. In the mid-1970s, there was a small ski jump with a K-point of 15 meters.
Today, the Ostpark is a vibrant space for all ages. It is more than just a park. Locals from Perlach and Ramersdorf enjoy the 56-hectare park. Many appreciate its peaceful atmosphere. The Ostpark features a 3.5-hectare lake where people ice skate in winter. There is a grill zone in the northwest part of the Ostpark near the lake. You can also find the Michaelibad and a beer garden nearby. People play volleyball and table tennis on the meadows. A skate park attracts skateboarders. In winter, the Ostpark offers activities like sledding and ice skating. In June 2015, a renovated playground opened near the Michaeligarten beer garden. It features slides, swings and climbing equipment.
As you explore the Ostpark remember its transformation. From a simple idea to a beloved green space, the Ostpark remains a vital part of Munich.