New leisure and green space connects the neighborhood with the Bessungen gravel pit
The Ludwigshöhe district in Darmstadt has gained another key open space project: The West Landscape Staircase was officially opened to the public on Monday, June 8th. Michael Kolmer, Head of Green Spaces, and Armin Niedenthal, CEO of bauverein AG, jointly presented the new section of the central green corridor.
Following the opening of the eastern landscape staircase in May 2025, the western part now completes the connection between the Ludwigshöh district, Karl-Plagge-Platz, the adjacent wooded areas and the Bessunger Kiesgrube nature reserve.
Play, sport and socializing in nature
According to the city, the western landscape staircase is intended to serve as a place for meeting, exercise, and recreation. Particular attention was paid to accessibility and inclusive features. Numerous play structures can also be used by people with mobility impairments.
New leisure facilities include a lizard-themed playground with water play equipment, climbing elements and swings for children between six and twelve years old, as well as a separate toddler playground with inclusive play equipment and a hillside slide.
The facilities also include a calisthenics area of around 400 square meters, a small playing field, streetball, beach volleyball and badminton areas.
Nature conservation and climate adaptation combined
In addition to recreational activities, nature conservation also plays an important role. Habitats for the protected wall lizard have been created on the slopes. Sand lenses and piles of natural stones offer the animals optimal conditions.
Furthermore, the facility follows the so-called sponge city principle. All rainwater is infiltrated on-site without being discharged into the municipal drainage system.
A viewing platform with a wooden deck offers a view over the Ludwigshöhe district, the Rhine plain, and the smaller pond of the Bessungen gravel pit. The nature reserve itself remains closed to the public.
Extensive greening in the neighborhood
Numerous seating options and extensive planting enhance the overall appeal of the area. In addition to the existing oak trees, 59 new trees have been planted. Furthermore, 39,300 flower bulbs, numerous shrubs, and sandy grassland areas have been added. The development of the green spaces will continue in the coming years.
In addition, 29 lampposts were installed according to the Darmstadt lighting guidelines. Cyclists will find 25 bicycle racks and five parking spaces for cargo bikes.
Sustainable energy supply beneath the plant
Beneath the landscaped staircase lies a geothermal field with 64 geothermal probes reaching depths of up to 130 meters. These will supply twelve apartment buildings and a local convenience store with sustainable heating and cooling.
The western landscape staircase was built by BVD New Living GmbH & Co. KG, a subsidiary of bauverein AG, as part of the development of the Ludwigshöhe district. Several specialist offices and landscape architects were involved in the planning and implementation.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/stip)
Featured image: Landscape staircase. Photo: City of Science Darmstadt – Jonas Diebold
