Image source & copyright: Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord
Written by Tamara Bruketta
Participant New Europe Program 2010
Waking up at 7 in the morning for school usually does not sound very appealing; however this Wednesday was an exception for the kids of the New Europe program. The program’s 4th excursion was an adventure to the historic Ruhr Area, Western Germany’s old coal manufacturing district.
Our first activity was a scenic bike tour through the Landscape park of Duisburg. Formally known as “Coalville” this landmark of Germany’s history has been undergoing changes of epic proportions in the past decade. While this used to be a site for the Steel mill of Duisburg it was shut down due to a lack of demand for the product being manufactured. So what to do with a giant piece of wasteland in the middle of a city? Well create a new multi functional theme park of course! That is exactly what the city decided to do, taking all of the pieces of the steel mill and creating functional rides and activities for the inhabitants and visitors of Duisburg.
While we rode our bikes through this monument to change we were surrounded by a nature engulfed steel mill that had been drizzled with bits and pieces of modern thrills such as a skate park, a movie theater, and even a scuba diving tank!
Next on the itinerary was a two hour bike ride through the city of Duisburg where we not only got a work out, but also got to see a bit of the city and enjoy lunch! Following lunch we made our way to the Zollverein Coking Plant which was closed in 1993 and entered into the UNESCO World Heritage to remain be recognized as a part of German history forever. The plant, we learned, was in function for approximately 32 years and is used today as a site for various exhibitions and activities for the locals. We received a guided tour of the plant exploring all of its old functions as well as the new additions such as a pool and Ferris wheel.
In all it was a long day, but definitely a good day. It was amazing to see how much an area can really take a negative situation and turn it around for all involved to create something that celebrates the past while still embracing the future. We learned so much about the heritage of Western Germany and the Ruhr area and even got a bit of insight into issues that we, in most countries, still struggle with today.
