Wuppertal , Germany
A second Chance at a new Life
Giesenberg play area in Wichlinghausen , a district of Wuppertal in Germany , has been given a complete overhaul . Wichlinghausen is known as a deprived area . The newly designed area should inject new life into the district . The new design is part of the “ Social City of Oberbarmen / Wichlinghausen ” program . Better paths , more sun and new play equipment will make it a success .
“ The new play equipment is a real hit and has been very well received by the children .”
The landscape architect responsible for redesigning the area is Mattis Ricken . Ricken works for the city of Wuppertal and has been supervising the project from the very beginning . Mattis Ricken states : “ The area itself has actually had a play park for many years . This was last refurbished in the eighties . Before building work began on the Nordbahntrasse , the play area was set in a dark corner ; it was also heavily overgrown and not considered very safe . Because of its shady location and vandalism , the play equipment was in very poor condition . As a result , children very rarely played here . The roots had destroyed parts of the paths and the foliage allowed very little light onto the play area . The wooden play equipment was most affected by this . It all had to be removed . The area also has an old piece of climbing equipment made by Berliner Seilfabrik , which has been given a new net as part of the developments . “
The work on the Nordbahntrasse was the trigger for giving the play area a new chance again . But it was clear that a few changes would have to be made to the area for this to happen . Before building work began , all the shrub undergrowth was cut back , and a few trees were removed to allow light into the area . Now , the play area is bright and visible with a much friendlier look . The Nordbahntrasse is used by families on the weekends to escape the busy traffic , enjoy walks and cycle rides . Now it ’ s exciting for the little ones to be able to make a stop at Giesenberg play area .
74 Berliner Greenville Trii