Apprentices Design a Memorial Site at the New Cemetery
20.08.2026 – The eight aspiring gardeners at Stadtwerke Offenbach have completed yet another project of their own as part of their training. They have redesigned the area surrounding the memorial stele dedicated to the civilian victims of the air raids during World War II. The result is a dignified place of remembrance that also meets ecological standards.
In designing the site, the apprentices used only existing materials that complemented the memorial stone. As a result, the stone now stands out more effectively. For the edging, they used sandstone that had originally been provided as sample stones for the renovation of the Offenbach Main River embankment, as well as basalt stones from Offenbach.
“The sandstone blocks varied significantly in size, color, and origin,” says Jasna Volk, head of the Public Space Services Department at Stadtservice, part of Stadtwerke Offenbach. “The challenge was to combine the various elements in such a way that a harmonious overall picture emerges. We also had to take into account the unique characteristics of this location: for example, space needed to be left open for wreath-laying ceremonies in memory of the deceased.”
Collaboration Between the Geschäftsfeld Stadtservice and Geschäftsfeld Immobilien
Jasna Volk, together with Kurt Kaiser—who works in sports field management at GBM—is responsible for training aspiring gardeners. Some of them are employed by Stadtservice, while others work for GBM. Through this joint training program, they benefit from the specialized expertise of both municipal utility divisions—both in the maintenance of public parks and green spaces and in the operation and upkeep of sports facilities.
One challenge for the gardener apprentices was planting the area around the memorial stone, which is exposed to direct sunlight for most of the day. The choice fell primarily on herbs and perennials that bloom for a long period, are attractive to cemetery visitors, and provide food for insects. In addition, the selected plants are heat-tolerant and require little water.
“Our trainees are constantly able to demonstrate their creativity and technical skills through their own projects,” says Jasna Volk. “In doing so, they also learn to work independently and take on responsibility. And we think they once again did an excellent job with the redesign of the area.”