Berlin, February 20 – The Berlin Senate has confirmed that Görlitzer Park in Kreuzberg will begin nightly closures from March 1st. This decision follows the completion of the park’s controversial fencing, which includes gates at various entrances. The gates will be locked nightly, either at 10 PM or 11 PM, depending on the season, while turnstiles will remain open for exiting the park.
Controversial Night Closure to Begin Next Week
The night closure of Görlitzer Park has been a subject of intense debate for several years. Originally scheduled for implementation last year, the construction of the fence and gates faced repeated delays, most recently due to winter weather conditions. The Senate initially approved the fencing in 2023, citing a high incidence of crime in the park as the primary reason for the measure.
A spokesperson for the Senate Department for Transport, Mobility, and Environment informed the “RBB” that the final gaps in the fence and around the entrance gates are expected to be closed within the next week, paving the way for the March 1st implementation.
Local Criticism Mounts Against the Initiative
The district of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg has vehemently opposed the Senate’s decision to close the park at night. A district spokesperson characterized the project as “expensive symbolic politics.” David Kiefer, from the “Görli zaunfrei” (Görli fence-free) initiative, expressed even stronger disapproval, stating, “This has nothing to do with our Görli anymore. It looks more like an open-air prison.”
The district had already filed a lawsuit against the Senate in 2024 to challenge the decision. The “Görli zaunfrei” initiative has also pledged to continue its resistance against both the closure and the fence, according to reports from “rbb.”
The move is part of broader efforts to address safety concerns in certain areas of Berlin, which have been designated as high-crime locations. However, critics argue that such measures disproportionately affect residents and do not address the root causes of criminal activity.
Impact on Park Users and Future Developments
The impending night closure is expected to significantly alter the use of Görlitzer Park, a popular green space in the heart of Kreuzberg. While proponents argue that it will enhance safety and reduce crime, opponents fear it will restrict public access and create an unwelcoming atmosphere.
The debate surrounding Görlitzer Park highlights a larger tension between public safety initiatives and the preservation of open, accessible urban spaces in Berlin. As the March 1st deadline approaches, both sides remain firm in their positions, indicating that the controversy is likely to continue.
Further details on the implementation and any potential adjustments to the closure schedule are expected to be announced by the Senate in the coming days.
