A former horse racetrack and golf course were transformed into a park!

Old and new landscape elements, collaged together to create a new piece of usable and readable landscape, form the guiding principle of our design. These elements are connected and integrated into the design through the site’s dominant openness and a clearly legible access concept. The existing structure, consisting of the forest-like boundary, the racetrack, and the central meadow area, was conserved and further developed.

The ecologically valuable dry sandy grasslands, that had developed over time in the original golf course, were preserved in the centre. The sand bunkers of the golf course use were integrated into the concept, as were the existing trees and pond. A circular path now provides access, adopting the shape of the racetrack and visually separating the extensive middle area from the intensively used second area. The existing pond remains in the centre and is complemented by a walkway with a “pavilion” offering views over the water surface and the expanse of the ecological areas. In the northeastern part, sand dunes were created which will change over time through erosion and use. In this way, new dynamic habitats will develop, contributing to the park’s biodiversity. The former racetrack will be gradually transformed into an intensively usable park area. A vegetation concept that will evolve over several years forms the basis for defining spaces available for recreational use. These include, among other things, a callisthenics area and a large playground with an adjacent soccer field. Linear tree plantings evoke the movement of horses. The area is framed by the existing tree backdrop, which will be ecologically enhanced through targeted management and will define the park’s entrances.

Project Data

Landscape architecture: BHMP

Project location: Frankfurt, Germany

Year completed: 2023

Photo credits: Nikolai Benner

Published on January 6, 2025