Höchster City Park, Frankfurt, Germany
Awakening the senses
Client | City of Frankfurt am Main |
Area | 20 ha |
Project team | Oliver Alten, Steffen Fenzlein, Frank Bünger, Nicole Messerschmidt |
Completion | 2018 |
Location/Google-Maps | Palleskestraße 5, 65929 Frankfurt am Main |
The Höchster city park, built in 1908 on a former shooting range, has been expanded, transformed, repurposed and reshaped out of necessity several times throughout history. In 2018, it became necessary to reexamine the exiting path systems, gathering spaces and playgrounds and to adapt them to meet contemporary needs.
The subsequent revitalization of the historic pathways achieved a twofold goal: the opening up of the park and the restoration of lost sightlines and vistas, and the preservation of secluded and isolated areas that allow for new discoveries. This was done by a clearing of the understory and the pruning of trees.
The renovation of the playground is the first task in the enhancement of the urban park. To accommodate the growing enthusiasm for physical exercise, exhibited by park users both young and old, the former play area was restructured. Five play areas, inclusive of all age groups, are separated from one another by seating walls. Sport and exercise fields, plus an additional playground with a climbing forest, water elements and swings provide ample space for teens. A sand area with play elements and a nest swing for small children and a large lawn for playing and sunbathing complete active spaces.
More will follow, including a garden café, a revival of the “Sheppard Spring” and renewal of other historic garden gems.