Offenbach needs open spaces: Program defines urban development goals

The city of Offenbach is growing. More and more people are discovering the small metropolis on the Main for themselves, they appreciate the short distances, the wide range of offers and the proximity to nature. Parks, forests and the banks of the Main with its meadows and floodplains are all within easy reach without having to make a long journey. To ensure that this not only remains the case, but that further attractive green and open spaces for sport, exercise and experiencing nature can be created, the open space development program with its objectives and measures is to become an integral part of the urban development and planning strategy. "After all," explains landscape architect Sigrid Pietzsch from the Office for Urban Planning, Transport and Construction Management, "the protection, qualification and further development of open spaces is of particular importance, as they determine the attractiveness of the city as a place to live and work and make a decisive contribution to quality of life and health." In terms of content, the open space development program (FEP) is divided into four sections: Based on the inventory, Offenbach's existing open space areas and types were evaluated, the next step was to identify the current challenges and define key objectives and fields of action derived from these. The FEP is intended to complement the City of Offenbach's Master Plan 2030, which focuses on housing and the economy. Some of the measures defined in the FEP are already the subject of ongoing planning processes, some can be implemented in the short term or are to be understood as desirable, forward-looking project ideas for the long term.

Back in 2015, the wishes and needs of citizens were surveyed during an open space safari in the form of guided walks through the city. The focus was very specifically on "outdoor spaces", forests, meadows, nature, but also playgrounds, parks and green spaces. Where do people find relaxation and leisure, space for sport and play? And how should open spaces be designed to meet the challenges of climate change and have a positive impact on the urban climate? What can they contribute to preserving biodiversity?

Some answers have already been found. Among other things, the "Weidenplacken" compensatory measure in the Mainbogen has already been implemented, the renovation of the Friedrichsweiher park is being planned and the closing of the gap in the Isenburgring green corridor at the hospital is in preparation. In the medium to long term, the aim is to increase the greening of Waldstrasse and Mühlheimer Strasse, for example.

The open space development program brings together stakeholders and funding programs and allows for meaningful long-term strategic planning to make Offenbach a city worth living in in the future.