Ostpark

Can you imagine a park built on a dried-up riverbed? Here at Ostpark in Frankfurt, that’s exactly what happened. Ostpark, Frankfurt’s second-largest park, sprawls across over 32 hectares. It’s a green oasis amidst the urban hustle, offering a welcome escape. The park’s centerpiece, the 4.2-hectare Ostparkweiher, was created in a section of a drained arm of the Main River. The ground was too waterlogged for building, making it the perfect spot for a lake. Ostpark was designed as a recreational haven for workers in the nearby Osthafen and residents of the developing eastern neighborhoods. It also served as a sports ground for local schools. The park officially opened in 1911 as one of Germany’s first “Volksparks,” or people’s parks, a then-revolutionary concept where open lawns were meant for public enjoyment. Imagine sunbathing and playing sports right on the grass! Today, Ostpark continues to be a beloved spot for recreation. The Ostparkweiher is a haven for diverse birdlife, from greylag and Canada geese to coots and swans. The park even has a “goose management” program to maintain the balance of the ecosystem. Interestingly, the Crucian carp, an endangered species in Hesse, was introduced into the lake by a local fishing club. Beyond the lake, Ostpark offers extensive lawns, playgrounds, sports fields, and even a barbecue area. Nestled within Ostpark, you’ll find the Bürgergarten, originally the Central School Garden. Created between 1907 and 1911, it was designed to provide plants for biology and art classes in Frankfurt’s schools. Today, it’s a quiet, charming area with themed flower beds, a herb garden, and a small pond, offering a peaceful retreat within the larger park. Ostpark also boasts a piece of “Komische Kunst,” or comedic art, in the form of a whimsical penalty spot sculpture by F.W. Bernstein, located on the edge of the large meadow. As you wander through Ostpark, consider this: you’re walking a section of the German Jakobsweg, the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, adding a touch of historical significance to your visit.