Green Climate Oases

Already during the project phase, the meadow below the Heiligenberg was designated a “Climate Oasis 2020” as part of the funding initiative. To this end, a former silo was dismantled and the area was unsealed. Trees were also planted and benches installed. This made it possible to create a usable open space in advance for the adjacent “Am Mönchsberge” new-development neighborhood, which was still under construction at the time of implementation. It was particularly important here that this existing open space not be entirely built up. There was certainly discussion about designating the entire meadow as residential land. A compromise was reached, and only a small portion of the meadow was designated as residential land. To ensure sufficient living space could be developed, a high-density urban structure was chosen.

Plans were drawn up to ensure that a new pedestrian and bike path, as well as a playground, would complement the development’s functions. This project is scheduled for completion in 2024/2025.

With support from the Impulsregion, the green corridor along Schützenhofstraße was designated a climate oasis in 2021/2022 as part of the Interreg funding program “SALUTE4CE.”

This climate oasis consists of three sections:

• A small former traffic green space on Camburger Straße,
• a large meadow on Schützenhofstraße, and
• an area near the stairs between Schützenhofstraße and Closewitzer Straße.

Newly planted trees and large shrubs provide shade—especially on the increasingly frequent very hot days. Benches and perennials invite visitors to linger. For children, wooden play sculptures in the shape of an ant and a grasshopper were installed across from the entrance to the kindergarten. In addition, insect-friendly flowering meadows and an insect hotel have been created. The insect hotel was stocked by students from the neighboring Christian High School and is maintained by them.

As part of the development of the Leibnizstraße residential area, the existing avenue of linden trees was preserved and connected to a pedestrian and bicycle path. This path is used extensively by local residents. The large trees create a pleasant atmosphere here, but the area was rarely used for relaxation because there were no amenities. Therefore, in 2022, seven sturdy benches and additional trash cans were installed. As a result, the existing green space can now be used as a cool oasis.

Near the Wiesencenter, a pedestrian and bike path runs parallel to Wiesenstraße. This path winds its way along the Saale River through a park-like setting. To enhance the visitor experience, five benches and additional trash cans were installed here in 2023; another bench was added at the bus stop. This open space thus makes it an inviting place to spend time, even on hot days.