A Sustainable Upcycling Project Transforms Benckiser Park into a Community Garden
Refurbished garden beds discovered in Benckiserpark
In the heart of Pforzheim, a new initiative has brought life to Benckiser Park. The Community Garden in Benckiser Park, a result of sustainable upcycling practices, is now open for local residents to engage in gardening activities and foster a sense of community.
The Upcycling Project
The raised beds in Benckiser Park were constructed using materials from the Nordstadtschule's old fence. This innovative approach to construction, known as upcycling, showcases the potential of reusing materials for community projects. The beds were created in a social gardening center on the edge of the Enzauenpark, making it a truly collaborative effort.
A Collaborative Effort
The project was a collaboration between the Green Space and Civil Engineering Department, the Technical Services of the city of Pforzheim, and Q-Prints&Service GmbH. Thomas Schäfer, project manager at Grünwerk, stated that they will keep an eye on the beds all year round and provide support wherever it is needed. Sandra Heitkamp, head of the Green Space and Civil Engineering Department, expressed enthusiasm for the project.
Matthias Brandtner Pforzheim, the pastor and community leader of the Volksmission, also expressed enthusiasm for the 'join-in garden' project. Two of the raised beds in Benckiser Park are specifically designed for wheelchair users, making the garden accessible to all.
Management and Contact Information
The garden is typically managed by a local community gardening association or under the guidance of the Pforzheim city council's department responsible for urban green spaces. For inquiries about plot availability, volunteering, or events, you can contact:
- City of Pforzheim – Department for Urban Green Spaces Phone: +49 7231 39-0 (main city hall number) Email: [email protected] (general city info, they can redirect you) Website: www.pforzheim.de
- If there is a dedicated community gardening group or association managing Benckiser Park’s garden, their contact info is often listed on the city’s website or local bulletin boards in the park.
The team of Grünwerk, a part of the "BIWAQ WIN.Pf - Promoting Perspectives" funded neighborhood management at Q-Prints&Service, supports and guides the 'join-in garden' project. Anyone interested in planting the raised beds with herbs, strawberry plants, and more can contact [email protected].
The raised beds in Benckiser Park are located in front of the Benckiser Hall, making them easily accessible for all visitors to the park. This innovative and sustainable project is an example of successful upcycling and a testament to the power of community collaboration.
In the Community Garden within Benckiser Park, local residents are encouraged to engage in various gardening activities, contributing to a communal lifestyle. The raised beds, constructed through upcycling using materials from the Nordstadtschule's old fence, form a part of the home-and-garden landscapes in the park.
