Grass-covered pathways traversing Gronau
In the heart of Bergisch Gladbach lies the densely built-up district of Gronau, a place where residential, commercial, and industrial buildings coexist. But amidst the bustling cityscape, there's a growing movement to breathe new life into Gronau's underutilized public green spaces.
The name Gronau, derived from 'Groenauwe,' meaning 'green meadow,' hints at the district's potential for a lush and vibrant transformation. For years, agriculture and small-scale industry thrived in the area, with many mills dotting the landscape, as indicated by some street names.
One of the key figures driving this green revolution is Michael Wittassek, who dreams of reopening access to the Strunde in a certain area, clearing the undergrowth, creating paths, and constructing an attractive city park, the 'Strunde Park.' His vision is not just about creating a green oasis, but also about fostering a sense of community and improving the quality of life for Gronau residents.
The local citizen initiative 'Wir in Gronau' has been instrumental in the renovation and improvement of the green potentials in the district. They have suggested using urban gardening principles and communal maintenance for these greening actions. ForumGronau members, including Heinz D. Haun and Inge Andersch, Doro Corts, are actively working to beautify and improve the quality of life in Gronau.
The golden oat, a hardy and easy-to-care-for flower, can be found growing wild by the roadside in Gronau. Wildflowers like summer lilac, cornflowers, and mugwort are sprouting along paths in the district, and these could be contained and transformed into attractive blooming landscapes.
Gronau is also home to several hidden gems, such as the Lindenhof, one of the last traditional inns in the area, which still has its beer garden under the old linden trees. The Gierather Mill, the only mill on the Strunde in the 14th century, is now a listed building, standing as a testament to the district's rich history.
Many public green spaces in Gronau are overgrown and neglected, but they offer a wealth of potential. Doro Corts suggests that leaning trees could provide shade on a frequently used path, while Wittassek suggests that a viewing platform with a bench could be set up at the spot where the field with yellow spots of colour is visible.
Ten new benches are set to be added to the district to enhance the quality of stay and create small green oases. The locations for these benches were chosen by Gronau residents in two discussion rounds hosted by the city of Bergisch Gladbach. A lower, wide lawn area near the Mülheimer Straße could benefit from the addition of benches for shade, and a bench could be added at the bend of the Strunde where a wild romantic natural scenery is found.
The empty, paved large area halfway along the path from Mülheimer Straße to Dünnhofsweg could be used for open-air events. The principle of a 'garden city' can be observed in the small houses with their colorful gardens and high hedges in the garden-like districts of Gronau.
The green walk through Gronau's hidden corners is a young tradition of Gronau walks that have been part of ForumGronau since its inception. This initiative encourages residents to explore and appreciate the beauty of their own district, fostering a sense of community and pride in their surroundings.
With the combined efforts of the local community and the city, Gronau is poised to transform into a vibrant, green, and welcoming district for all to enjoy. The green oasis is not just a dream, but a reality in the making.
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