Hamelin, Skatepark

On Weser Island in Hamelin, a modern skate park has taken shape as the result of a close collaboration between local initiatives and the municipal authorities. Located in the heart of a public green space, the new facility expands the existing area by approximately 665 m² and introduces a robust, in-situ concrete construction characterized by a flowing, multilayered design. The new skate park caters to a broad user base—ranging from skateboarders and BMX riders to WCMX athletes—and offers a variety of lines and features to suit both novice and experienced riders alike.

The design responds sensitively to the unique character of the island setting. In order to preserve the landscape’s natural quality, the skate park is carefully embedded in the surrounding greenery. Gently sloping gravel surfaces and dense plantings along the embankments soften the visual impact of the facility, while newly planted trees and shrubs further integrate it into its environment. The layout’s open configuration—with lower elements at its center and taller structures along the edges—ensures unimpeded sight lines throughout, enhancing both spatial orientation and informal social oversight.

Special attention was given to the site’s position within the Weser floodplain. In close coordination with the local water authorities, the skate area was slightly recessed to avoid impeding floodwater runoff. A local compensation strategy ensures the preservation of retention volume, making the facility compatible with flood protection requirements. Meanwhile, an acoustic assessment confirmed that the low construction height and solid materiality of the elements help minimize noise emissions—an important consideration given the proximity of the nearby Sana Clinic—rendering additional soundproofing measures unnecessary.

Ecological considerations were also central to the planning process. Bird and bat habitats in the area were thoroughly surveyed, and the findings informed a series of targeted avoidance and mitigation strategies. To protect local fauna, the installation of a lighting system has been deferred for the time being, ensuring that nocturnal ecosystems are not disrupted. In its final form, the skate park combines athletic functionality with ecological sensitivity and becomes a socially inclusive destination embedded within the natural fabric of Weser Island.