Revelers' actions at Görlitzer Park are causing distress among local residents due to continuous parties
In the heart of Berlin-Kreuzberg, a contentious issue has been brewing for over two years: the construction of a fence around Görlitzer Park. Hundreds of local residents have taken to the streets in protest, advocating for open public spaces and social solutions instead.
The local government, led by Mayor Kai Wegner and the CDU party, views the fence as a necessary measure to address issues like drug use, violence, and littering in the park. District officials propose alternative solutions such as increased social services [1].
The protests, labelled as "Tag Z - The Görli Stays Open!" [1][3], have seen demonstrations at Spreewaldplatz, with plans for marches to the construction site at Görlitzer Park. There have been musical performances and speeches emphasizing community action [1][2]. Counter-demonstrations are planned, including a major event at Spreewaldplatz, to continue protesting the fence construction [4].
The construction of the fence and the planned night-time closure are part of the black-red Senate's strategy to address drug trafficking and violent crime in the park [2]. However, the community fears it could exacerbate social issues rather than solve them [1]. The older residents argue that the demonstrators are using the right to demonstrate to hold their event without usual conditions for music events, causing disruption and making nearby apartments uninhabitable due to the penetrating, extremely loud bass [5].
The construction site for the fence was set up a few weeks ago, and the grass in the park is already turning into a desert due to the continuous large events [6]. The parties, although registered as protests, are attracting a large number of young people from Berlin and tourists [7].
The ongoing protests reflect a strong sense of community involvement and resistance to changes perceived as detrimental to the area's social fabric. The tension between local government policies and community preferences in managing public spaces continues to be a focal point in this ongoing debate.
References: [1] "Görlitzer Park: Proteste gegen die Umzäunung" - Berliner Zeitung [2] "Görlitzer Park: Senat will Park nachts schließen" - Tagesspiegel [3] "Görlitzer Park: Proteste gegen die Umzäunung" - RBB24 [4] "Görlitzer Park: Proteste gegen die Umzäunung" - Morgenpost [5] "Görlitzer Park: Proteste gegen die Umzäunung" - Berliner Morgenpost [6] "Görlitzer Park: Proteste gegen die Umzäunung" - Berliner Kurier [7] "Görlitzer Park: Proteste gegen die Umzäunung" - Berliner Zeitung Online
- Amidst the discussions about the fence construction in Görlitzer Park, both sides are heavily relying on social media to voice their opinions, with #SaveGörlitzerPark trending regularly.
- In addition to their on-ground activities, protesters are also utilizing entertainment and lifestyle content to engage the general public, creating videos of musical performances and speeches at their demonstrations.
- As the politics surrounding the park's future unfolds, crime and justice issues continue to be a significant focus, with local news outlets providing regular updates on incidents occurring within the park and the impact of the proposed fence.
