Did you know that Volkspark Langendreer wasn’t always a park? This green space in Bochum’s Langendreer district has a surprising past. Before the trees and flowerbeds there were brickyards. Two of them to be exact.
Volkspark Langendreer is a true people’s park a Volksgarten. It embodies the concept of urban green spaces from the last century. It was created in the early 1960s. The city’s director of parks Helmuth Rockholtz designed it. He had a vision. He transformed the former brickyards into a haven.
The park’s history is intertwined with the nearby Opel works. Opel employees found relaxation and recreation in Volkspark Langendreer. It was and continues to be a beloved retreat for them. It provides a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The Volkspark covers 94 hectares. It’s home to 80 different species of deciduous and coniferous trees.
In 2021 the park underwent a complete renovation. Bochum invested in the Volkspark Langendreer. The renovation was finished in July. The English landscape garden style was maintained. Improvements were made. They included a larger and redesigned playground. Now it boasts areas for sliding swinging balancing and climbing. There are extensive sandpits and seating areas.
New additions to the Volkspark Langendreer also included a revitalized rose garden and a pergola garden. These offer quiet retreats for visitors. A fountain basin made of washed concrete adds to the aesthetic. A boules court provides opportunities for games and leisure. There are also numerous vegetable beds. These are tended by an urban gardening group. They grow a variety of edible plants. All the park’s paths have been restored and improved. A renovated footpath now leads directly into the park. It connects the center with the oasis near the old train station.
So next time you are in Bochum take a stroll through the Volkspark Langendreer. Explore its history. Appreciate its beauty. Discover its unique blend of past and present. This park is more than just a green space. It’s a testament to thoughtful urban planning and the importance of green spaces in our lives. It is a community’s shared treasure.