Today, let’s explore the Volkspark Mariendorf. This park offers a green escape right here in Berlin. The Volkspark Mariendorf was created between 1923 and 1931. But its story started even earlier.
In 1907, Wilhelm Hugo Westphal proposed a community park. The community then started buying land in 1908. They acquired the ponds of Georg Freiberg a local innkeeper. World War I paused the park’s development.
After the war, Friedrich Kuter pushed the project forward. In 1922, Berlin approved funds for the park. Work began in 1923 as an emergency program. The park officially opened on June 29 1931 with the opening of a fountain. However, sports facilities were initially missing.
The Volkspark Mariendorf covers about 13 hectares. Landscape architect Ernst A. Harrich designed it. The park features a small hill which is also used as a toboggan hill. You will find the Blümelteich pond here. This pond covers approximately 12500 square meters. There are also three natural ponds Dillgesteich Kleiner Teich and Eckernpfuhl. In summer, enjoy the rose garden.
The Volksparkstadion Berlin is also located here. It holds 10000 people and is used for soccer. The Mariendorfer Sportverein 06 calls it home. There is also a hockey field and a public swimming pool nearby.
The Rodelberg toboggan hill has a history of its own. Between 1927 and 1929 workers created it from waste and excavation material. They added more debris after World War II.
The Volkspark Mariendorf features several sculptures. The Kinderbrunnen by Waldemar Berger dates back to the 1920s. You can also see copies of Friedrich Zuchantke’s Kinder und Tierplastiken. These include Knabe mit dem Ziegenbock and Mädchen mit Schaf. Demetros Anastasatos created the Reiher bronze sculpture in 1961. The Bär sculpture is also here on the playground. Volkmar Haase’s Gespaltenes Dreieck stands at the Mariendorfer Damm entrance.
The Volksparkstadion hosts the Rocktreff amateur rock competition each year. The stadium has a covered grandstand with 2000 seats. The Mariendorfer Hockey Club uses the artificial turf hockey field.
In 1999, a new sundial was installed in the Volkspark Mariendorf. It replaced an earlier one. The old sundial now stands by the toboggan hill. The Volkspark Mariendorf continues to offer recreation. Visitors enjoy playgrounds walking paths and sports. It is a green oasis in the city.