Criticism of Berlin park management: financial resources threatened!

Criticism of Berlin park management: financial resources threatened!

The discussion about the financing of park management in Berlin is becoming more heated. District councilors from Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, Lichtenberg, Mitte, Steglitz-Zehlendorf, Treptow-Köpenick and Tempelhof-Schöneberg criticized the removal of funding for park runners and neighborhood caretakers in a joint statement. This decision is seen as a step backwards for Berlin's green space policy, which could not only have a negative impact on order and safety in the green spaces, but also on the general quality of life in the city.

The district press release emphasizes that the previous park maintenance by park managers and park runners not only contributes to the cleanliness, but also to the appreciation of the public space. These specialists ensure compliance with rules and support the work of the public order office, which relieves the burden on local administration. The planned removal of funding in the double budget for 2026/27 could lead to more rubbish, conflicts and a general security risk in green spaces.

Consequences and challenges for the city

The district councilors make it clear that the loss of park runners would significantly weaken the structure of the city and that compensation through their own staff is not realistic. Citizens are already feeling the structural underfunding of the district offices, which underlines the need for a rethink by the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The current search for park runners for various Berlin parks is also important in this topic. According to Nature Environment Education, the Berlin Senate is looking for park runners for the Jungfernheide Park and the Mierendorff-INSEL. The aim of this employment is to ensure sustainable and public use of the parks. The selected park runners should have appreciative conversations with users and ensure that the park rules are adhered to. The regular on-site engagement is intended to promote peaceful coexistence and strengthen the appreciation of green spaces.

Urban nature and its importance for Berlin

The importance of urban nature for urban spaces should not be underestimated. Letters and reports, such as those contained in the BfN writings, show that green spaces in cities not only have a positive influence on the quality of life and health of city residents, but also have important functions in relation to climate adaptation meet biological diversity. Urban greenery plays a crucial role in mitigating heat waves and absorbing heavy rainfall.

The Federal Government's “Urban Nature Master Plan” aims to give greater consideration to these aspects and to promote species and biotope diversity in urban areas. Particularly in view of the growing challenges posed by climate change and urban growth, it is necessary to further develop green spaces and recreational facilities in Berlin.

In view of all these developments, the district councilors' appeal to the Senate and the House of Representatives is clear: the decision to cut funding for park runners must be reconsidered. In sustainable urban development, the preservation and promotion of urban green spaces is of central importance.