Wermelskirchen
Youth Recreation Park
The city of Wermelskirchen can look back on a 40-year tradition of roller sports. But despite the long history, the area spent many years lacking appropriate spaces to practice these sports. That’s why the city of Wermelskirchen, in coordination with local associations, decided to create a modern concept for the local Youth Recreation Park (Jugendfreizeitpark).
The goal was to respond to the diversified spheres of experiences enjoyed by today’s youth by conjoining several informal sports at an inspirational site. As a meeting point, the Youth Recreation Park holds the potential to strengthen the spirit of solidarity and community among youths in the Wermelskirchen area. The designs for street and bowl areas were finalized in a series of workshops, while the concept promotes inclusivity by integration a multi-functional play area that offers access to diverse activities such as inline hockey and basketball.
The facility is located on the grounds of a former freight train depot. This historic theme was implemented into the design as a common denominator in the shape of several steel elements that make the design uniquely recognizable. Since the facility is located adjacent to a bike trail, one challenge included ensuring that cyclists have ample space to linger and watch the action safely, with blocking either the bike path or the pathways of skatepark users. During planning and implementation, this safety factor was realized by including an extra strip of concrete that delineates the space in an intuitive manner without requiring explanatory signage. From a skateboarder’s perspective, the rough surface of the concrete strip prohibits riding and feels uncomfortable. And from a cyclist’s perspective, the strip immediately appears as separate to the bike trail by mirroring the skatepark grounds’ contrasting gray colorway, which makes it inviting for short bursts of spectating and dwell time.
