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New Jonny K. Park in Spandau: Memory of victims of violence and joy of life!
The new Jonny K. Active Park in Spandau opened on October 14, 2025 to promote respect, solidarity and non-violence.
New Jonny K. Park in Spandau: Memory of victims of violence and joy of life!
Today the Jonny K. Aktivpark opens in Berlin-Spandau, a new park that commemorates the tragic death of Jonny K., who was the victim of a brutal attack in 2012. The park was created on the site of the former Egelpfuhlpark and offers an integrative play and exercise landscape for all generations. In addition to playgrounds and sports areas, it also includes a park theater and relaxation areas. A special sculpture in honor of Jonny K. is part of the park, which is intended to send a sign of respect, solidarity and non-violence. The Daily Mirror reports that the park also contains a dog run area and a yoga lawn.
The tragic incident in which Jonny K. was killed by a group of young people in October 2012 as he rushed to help a drunk friend caused nationwide consternation. This incident led to an intensive debate about how to deal with young violent perpetrators and the need for moral courage. The Jonny K. Active Park is part of a larger urban development project that is dedicated to preventing violence and promoting respectful coexistence.
An interactive environment for everyone
With an area of 5.6 hectares, the Jonny K. Active Park is designed to appeal to people of different age groups and social backgrounds. The redesign was carried out by the landscape architecture firm geskes.hack under the direction of Stefan Hack. The planned facilities include large open spaces for yoga, gymnastics and meetings, a fitness area, a football field and a “mountain theater” for performances made from reused granite steps. Calisthenics systems, trampolines, punching bags and other leisure options are planned for young people, which will be available from autumn. Berlin.de states the investment amount for this transformation at around 8.6 million euros, which was financed from the sustainable renewal program.
The project not only contributed to the creation of a new recreational space, but also created a platform for local residents to participate. Younger and older people were particularly involved in the planning process in order to take the needs of the community into account. A park council has promoted exchanges between citizens, administration and planners to ensure that the park meets the wishes of users.
Security in urban areas
The opening of the Jonny K. Aktivpark coincides with the growing focus on urban safety. Various research projects such as **ENSURE** and **InREAKT** are working specifically on improving safety concepts in urban areas, especially in local public transport. SIFO emphasizes that such projects aim to build crisis-proof structures and strengthen citizens' sense of security in metropolitan areas.
With the opening of the Jonny K. Aktivpark, Berlin is setting an example: a public space can not only be a place for relaxation, but also a symbol of respectful coexistence and the prevention of violence in society.