Green area Hellerau, Dresden

The Ruscheweg park is a typical example of garden design in the 1950s. It was created in 1953 in a voluntary work effort by the residents of Hellerau according to the plans of the then gardener Erwin Fritzsche.
In the course of the renewal, it was carefully planned which fixtures could be reused and which could be supplemented and improved. Thus drag steps were removed and important ways were rebuilt wheelchair-fairly. The open-air facility was supplemented by a pergola on the additionally raised square, from which a view over the city of Dresden is now possible in good weather. Seating and balancing beams on the slope invite visitors to picnic on the lawn. The old sandstone borders and slabs have been reinstalled and ensure the charm of the grounds. Newly planted woody islands in the direction of Karl-Liebknecht Straße give the park a better urban unity.

SPECIAL PRIZE in the competition "Gardens in the City"

For the plant we received in October 2017 the special prize in the competition "Gardens in the City" by the State Ministry for the Environment and Agriculture in the category "Open spaces at public facilities - green spaces / parks / city squares".

Rationale of the jury:

The small community park in Dresden-Hellerau, not far from the Festspielhaus, was built in 1953 through civic engagement. With the reconstruction of the plant a careful modernization and advancement of the plant was made.
By re-use of existing materials, the character of the plant remained. Upgrades and additions are woven into the design in such a way that a creative unity of existing and new elements has emerged.

The slightly elevated square, covered by a pergola, allows a line of sight to the city of Dresden. The design is convincing due to its respectful treatment of the existing building. It shows exemplarily that it is possible to design economically and at the same time with high quality. The chosen construction methods and the pergola construction optimized for durability are convincing.

The protection of the existing trees and space-creating additions to the parking situation through new plantings are successfully executed. The high-quality equipment of the central place with pergola and seat furniture is supplemented by perennial surfaces meaningfully. The park is designed barrier-free for use by citizens of all ages.

Through the redesign, it has been possible to develop a real small people's park for all citizens from an established small but simple park. By location and equipment the plant offers various possibilities for the use.

The good state of construction and maintenance leads to high acceptance and appreciation of the park.