Craving a green escape? The Wienburgpark is calling. Officially Stadtpark Wienburg, many locals fondly call it Nordpark. This 26-hectare park lies between Muenster’s Kreuzviertel and Kinderhaus districts. Imagine this space in the 1960s. Plans emerged for a grand recreation area. Heinrich Wiepking-Jürgensmann envisioned meadows, sports fields and even an open-air bath. A large lake was planned to be the heart of it. This initial vision never fully materialized.
Later in 1973, a competition imagined a large leisure complex. It also planned to transform the existing allotment garden into housing. High costs exceeding 25 million DM led to its failure. Another conventional design in 1979 was too expensive as well. It included a lake, an open-air bath and a sports area. A scaled-back design emerged in 1986. Some citizens still considered the 1.65 million DM price tag wasteful. But it was approved and realized in 1986 and 1987. The state of North Rhine-Westphalia covered 70% of the costs.
Today, Wienburgpark’s landscape consists of three key zones. Hedges and woodland edges provide habitats. These habitats are perfect for forest-dwelling plants and animals. Wetland areas teem with amphibians and insects. Open flower meadows constitute the third major area. These meadows create diverse ecosystems.
Walking through Wienburgpark, you will see paths suited for various activities. There are 2000 meters of paved paths for cycling and inline skating. Also enjoy the 2900 meters of bark mulch paths ideal for walking. These routes meander through sunny and shaded spots. You aren’t restricted to the paths. Wienburgpark isn’t a strict nature reserve.
For children, there is a 6000 square meter playground. It features equipment too large for other playgrounds. Since 1999, the Kindercamp “Atlantis” entertains kids during summer. Expect bouncy castles and climbing towers. A streetball and beach volleyball court are also available.
From 2003 to 2009, the sports club DJK GW Marathon Münster used an area behind “Atlantis”. The club has been located in Wienburgpark since 1949. Areas opposite the sports field are planned for school and club sports. Since 2010, the “DiscGolfer Münsterland” use the park for training. Disc golf enthusiasts meet Tuesdays at 6 PM and Sundays at 10 AM. The meeting point is at the Marathon sports field.
Dog owners rejoice. The entire Wienburgpark, except for sports and play areas, is a designated off-leash zone. Wienburgpark gained recognition for its ecological design and care. It was named “Project of the Month June” in 2008. This title was awarded by the “Green in the City” project of the Deutsche Umwelthilfe e.V.
Take a moment to appreciate the views from the viewing hill in the north. You can spot the towers of the university. Wienburgpark invites you to relax and unwind. This green oasis offers something for everyone.