The history of Maximilianpark in Hamm is a story of hope, change and success: it was created in 1984 on the site of the former Maximilian colliery. The occasion was the first state garden show in North Rhine-Westphalia, and the inauguration of Maximilianpark marked the start of a new era in local horticulture on a previously neglected industrial wasteland.
When it opened around 1900, the colliery was intended to be an economic beacon for Hamm and the region, bringing prosperity and wealth to the population. Although the ambition was great, several disasters such as water ingress and gas outbursts initially prevented the successful mining of coal. For just over three years, from 1912 to 1915, the black gold came to light in large quantities and profitably. The colliery finally "went belly up" before the final end came in 1943 after two unsuccessful rescue attempts (1921 and 1949) and nature reclaimed the site. The comeback story began in the early 1980s.
The first renaturalized colliery site in Germany was created, which today forms the easternmost anchor point of the Route of Industrial Heritage. The 22-hectare green oasis on the eastern edge of the city has made a name for itself with numerous attractions, retreats, playgrounds and events. It attracts over 350,000 visitors every year.
The glass elephant, a 53-metre-long, 35-metre-high and 18-metre-wide walk-in sculpture created by artist Horst Rellecke from the former coal washing plant, is the most visible sign of the transformation. Visitors to the park can marvel at the two huge tusks of the world's largest jumbo, take the trunk elevator inside and reach the palm garden, where ten kinetic objects are on permanent display. A greenhouse and tropical house and a viewing platform follow. Culture fans can also visit temporary exhibitions in the animal giant.
Tropical paradise
Other points of interest in Maximilianpark that day-trippers should not miss are the wonderfully designed themed playgrounds, the "NaturSpur" nature trail, the man-made Maximiliansee lake with lake terraces in the south and the largest butterfly house in North Rhine-Westphalia. Here, families can discover over 80 different species of tropical butterflies from March to November. The colorful fliers buzz around everywhere in the 450 square meter paradise.
The main path of Maximilianpark leads from the main entrance through a pretty landscape of meaning and adventure, which shines with a wealth of plants in various themed gardens. In addition to the scented, rose and apothecary gardens, the perennial and grass garden by world-famous Dutch garden architect Piet Oudolf is a clear attraction. Since 2011, he has designed a total area of 7000 square meters under the plant concepts "GartenKunst", "NaturGestalten" and "GrünFormen".
More than 200 events take place every year, both in the open air and in the remaining buildings on the former colliery site: a rose pruning course for nature lovers, a macro photography workshop for photographers and a course on the development of tadpoles for water researchers. Garden and medieval markets, Highland games as well as music and comedy evenings round off the extraordinary program.
