Bürgerpark Gablenz
The city of Chemnitz has transformed the wasteland where the Kepler Grammar School stood until 2011 into a lively community park. From 2019 to 2021, citizens contributed their ideas for the design and features at numerous events. The park is characterised by diverse planting with trees and shrubs that are compatible with climate change. Sports and leisure facilities such as a streetball court with a connection to the tram stop, two table tennis tables as well as seating and fitness facilities appeal to all generations. A paved access road also enables events to be held in the area. The aim remains to continuously develop the Bürgerpark.
A pavilion as a meeting place
In February 2025, the city completed the pavilion in Bürgerpark Gablenz in the immediate vicinity of the streetball court. This fulfilled another wish of the users of the Bürgerpark. The costs for this amount to around 17,500 euros.
Furthermore, the barrier-free access from the Carl-von-Ossietzky-Straße pavement to Bürgerpark Gablenz was realised. The costs for this totalled around 16,000 euros.
more
Civic park officially opened
Mayor Michael Stötzer officially opened Bürgerpark Gablenz on Sunday, 17 December 2023. The park was ceremoniously handed over to the citizens for use at an Advent celebration. Afterwards, the Free Evangelical Community of Chemnitz invited people to sing Christmas carols.
Diverse participants - numerous ideas
From 2019 to 2021, various public events and discussions were held with local stakeholders on the design of the park, in which the facilities and desired types of use were discussed. The aim was to create a park for all generations, with sports activities as well as recreational opportunities and pathways. The result was a youth activity area with a connection to the tram stop, two table tennis tables, a connecting network of paths, equipment such as benches, litter bins, bicycle racks, four fitness machines and a paved access road so that events can take place in the area. The fitness equipment was selected in a small workshop with children and young people together with the city's children and youth officer.
Joint responsibility for financing
The budget of 325,000 euros available to each intervention area was supplemented by additional funds. The CAWG already supported the project in 2021 with 5,000 euros for initial tree planting and provided a further 12,000 euros for the expansion of the youth activity area and the installation of table tennis tables. The City of Chemnitz's children and youth commissioner also raised €11,000 from the "Future package for exercise, culture and health" funding programme for four new pieces of fitness equipment.
Trees donated for the park
In spring 2023, participants of the Weimar Citizens' Tour planted two apple trees in the park. The City of Chemnitz supplemented them with six more from the Capital of Culture budget and financed the numerous tree plantings in the surrounding area from tree replacement funds.
Citizen participation
The first ideas were discussed with local residents back in 2019 when the park was selected as an intervention area for this part of the city in the "Green Gablenz" dialogue format. The Kepler Gymnasium was located on the site until 2011.
From 2019 to 2021, discussions were held with daycare centres, schools, daycare providers, district round tables, representatives of major landlords, street workers, sports groups and, last but not least, local residents to discuss suggestions and current or potential future problems in the area.