Right in the middle of the summer holidays, the Tierpark has two new top attractions to delight younger guests. As of 4 August, the old water play area is open once again and many new adventures are waiting in the mystical enchanted forest by the Patagona restaurant.
The former children’s playground by the petting zoo is listed as an historic landmark due to its distinctive 1950s architecture, meaning that a great deal of care and skill was required for its refurbishment. In 1994 new safety regulations put a stop to people bathing there. The pool was turned into a duck pond, and for more than two decades only animals were permitted to enjoy the water.
But the Tierpark is now celebrating the glorious comeback of its water play area! Based around the theme of “a day at the seaside”, a modern splash park was designed here for children aged three to six that interpreted the beach theme in a modern way. Where ducks used to dabble, excited kids now frolic around a field of water fountains shooting up from nozzles set into the ground. Dotted across this 4,000 m² area are various maritime features that give visitors of all ages the feeling of being on a holiday by the sea. But the fun doesn’t stop there: on the terrace of the newly opened Patagona restaurant, the adults can enjoy a cup of South American coffee in the shade of the large trees while the children, after recharging their batteries on a tasty snack, set off on their next adventure. The enchanted forest is a 4,500 m² world of fantasy and exploration. For the youngest visitors, right next to the terrace of the new restaurant is a sandy patch featuring a jumble of giant letters that look as though they’ve fallen straight out of a book of fairy tales. Here in the front garden of mythical creature researcher Dr Linde, the little ones can play freely while always remaining in sight of their parents.
Directly behind this area is the place where the adventures begin for older explorers aged six and above. The enormous “book gate” is the portal into an enchanted world and a magical woodland play area. The path leads children down into a river valley through a rocky landscape, where trolls have been turned to stone and now serve as fun climbing walls. Behind every corner of this magical land a new adventure awaits. This is a place where children can run, climb, hide and balance to their heart’s content! A willow tunnel leads to a treetop climbing net, where brave explorers will be able to test out their climbing skills from September. The net is currently being custom-made to the individual specifications of the Tierpark. The young adventurers will have to gather all their courage together to venture into the swampy forest maze, where a dangerous creature lurks. Did something just move within the hedge? The explorers must keep their heads and not get lost!
Both play areas received around €1.6 million in funds from the senate’s €5 million package of measures.
“The package of measures granted in 2014 has clearly been put to very good use,” said Dr Matthias Kollatz-Ahnen, Berlin’s Senator for Finance, praising the renovation work. “After the refurbishment of the entrance area by the bear viewing window, this is another example that even just short-term measures can serve to increase the Tierpark’s appeal. This will continue to have a positive impact on visitor numbers.”
The plans for the new design came from Berlin architecture firm dan pearlman. The designs were implemented by landscape architects from SKP Berlin Gebäude & Landschaften GmbH and the engineering firms Genius Ingenieurbüro GmbH and Ingenieurbüro Obermeyer. Construction lasted from March to August 2016. Frank Bruckmann, chairman of the Supervisory Board at Berlin Zoo, is enthusiastic about the developments: “A second play area for Europe’s largest animal park is a huge asset that was actually already long overdue. I am delighted that the Tierpark now provides an even better day out for families.” Berlin Zoo and Tierpark Director Dr Andreas Knieriem is also happy with the new children’s facilities: “A fantastic world has been created here for children of all ages that ignites enthusiasm for nature and adventure.
