Wörfel returns to Uferpark: City responds to residents' criticism!

Wörfel returns to Uferpark: City responds to residents' criticism!

There is an exciting development for young people and residents in Görlitz: the mobile meeting point “Wörfel” is moving back to the Uferpark. As the Saxon newspaper reported, this move came in response to ongoing complaints from residents about noise, vandalism and littering at the previous location, Lutherplatz. The Wörfel will be accessible again from calendar week 33. In the meantime, the municipal depot has already removed the Wörfel to ensure a relaxing situation in the riverside park.

The usage concept stipulates that the Wörfel should change its location every three to six months. This change was now brought forward because the problems at Lutherplatz could no longer be ignored. Above all, there is the defective wheelchair ramp, which was recently vandalized, and general complaints about the attracting audience. The city is planning a comprehensive deep cleaning of the Wörfels with a high-pressure cleaner and will also be in contact with the A-Team to renew the rules of conduct at this point.

The need for meeting places

The initiative for the Wörfel is not accidental. In 2023, young people from the A-Team developed a prototype for covered meeting points. This measure arose from the recognized need for informal meeting places in the city. With the support of Wild Growth e.V. and Sandro Berneis from the FOR:UM project, the planning phase began in July 2023. The Uferpark was ultimately chosen as a suitable location for a new meeting point, which was inaugurated in October. This should primarily meet the needs of young people, who often do not have access to playgrounds or attractive seating options. The approach aims to promote social interactions and encounters between different age groups.

However, events are not without challenges: vandalism has also left its mark here, such as the feedback mailbox, which was torn down. Nevertheless, the project is considered a success. The A-Team plans to continue to advocate for permanent shelters in Görlitz to create a sustainable solution.

Public space and youth

The importance of public space for young people is becoming increasingly clear in the city. As in a publication by Wüstenrot Foundation underlined, public spaces play a central role in urban life. They enable communication and interactions between residents and influence social and economic development prospects. It is particularly important that these spaces are designed to be attractive and safe for younger generations to integrate and thrive.

Overall, it shows that the city administration is responsive to the concerns of its citizens. The change of location of the Wörfels and the initiatives of the A-Team are steps in the right direction to take into account the needs of young people in Görlitz and promote positive development for the community. While the challenges are undeniable, there is a clear desire for change and the hope for a pleasant atmosphere in the Uferpark for everyone remains.