Vegetated pathways in Gronau
Gronau, a district in Bergisch Gladbach, is set for a significant transformation as it aims to improve its quality of stay and create small green oases. The district, known for its rich history and picturesque landscapes, has diverse, underutilized green spaces that could be transformed into attractive green oases.
The unsightly public path "Piddelbornsmuhle" along the Strunde, reminiscent of a construction site, is one of the areas earmarked for improvement. The path, a frequent shortcut for locals, lacks shade, and the area is overgrown and neglected. However, halfway along the path, there's a completely empty, paved large area with lush wildflowers blooming, which could potentially be suitable for open-air events.
The locations for the new benches were chosen by Gronau residents in two discussion rounds hosted by the city. One such location is the Lindenhof, one of the last traditional inns in the area, still retaining its beer garden under the old linden trees. Another desirable spot is the square in front of St. Marien Church, which currently has a single tree and a round bench, with two overgrown beds next to the bike racks that could be planted with blooming flowers.
In western Gronau, on both sides of the Mülheimer Straße, there are garden-like districts such as the street Schluchterheide. The Schluchter Heath, a wooded area between Cologne-Dellbrück, Gronau, and Refrath, part of which is designated as the Naturschutzgebiet Gierather Wald, is another area of natural beauty. The green area along the Strunde, framed by the nearby Thielenbruch Forest, Gierather Forest, and the Schluchter Heath, offers opportunities for hiking, jogging, and cycling, with beautiful spots like the firefighting pond, the sun meadow, and the Strunde lock.
The vision for Gronau, developed by the ForumGronau, an initiative of the citizen portal and SolidarConsult gGmbH, describes how it can be made more livable with well-connected "places of encounter" in the urban and green areas and a diverse cultural life. The forum suggests revitalizing these green spaces as places to meet, using principles of urban gardening, and maintaining them communally.
One such visionary is Wittassek, who dreams of reopening access to the Strunde in this area, clearing the undergrowth, creating paths, and building an attractive city park, the "Strunde Park". The walk from Mülheimer Straße to Dünnhofsweg, a young tradition of Gronau walks initiated by ForumGronau, could play a significant role in improving the neighborhood.
In the past, agriculture and small-scale industry were practiced in Gronau, and it had many mills. The name Gronau is said to originally derive from the word "Groenauwe", which means "green meadow". A viewing platform with a bench at the spot where the sheep graze would be desired. The blackberries growing on the side of the slope near the retention basin taste sweet, adding color and brightness to the street scene.
First attempts to liven up this green space have already been made, with moonlight stories and walks to favorite places of the Gronauer passing by. The organization proposing improvements and greening ideas for the Gronau district in Bergisch Gladbach is the city's urban planning department, led by Deputy Mayor Ragnar Migenda, which presented an updated framework plan including three concrete suggestions and about 20 subprojects aiming to better manage the district's development.
A small flowering bed and a bench that offers a view into the green expanse would be nice. Regrettably, the wildflower meadow was later mown, depriving bees of their habitat. The forum aims to connect people in Gronau in a practical way, find favorite places with discovery tours, and provide impulses for the planned Strategic Development Concept Gronau.
The future of Gronau looks green and vibrant, with its transformation into a more livable and attractive district for its residents.
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