Located near the village of Dormettingen, the Shale Experience Park lies on a recultivated mining site. Creating a new park with event spaces for the community while restoring agricultural land, the design is a celebration of industrial character and contextual design. Initially commissioned as the design of a small like, the scope of this project expanded to encompass the park’s central area, 5,000 square meters. The park’s design pays homage to its past, with the remnants of shale extraction forming the central feature of the park – rather than being cleared.
Park spaces were designed to exhibit both the historical context and cultural landscape of the lake, with mining structures being converted into a playground, and the lake being restored for safe community access. Connecting the lake, the Knock and Lake Plaza, and amphitheater, the space is now used for events throughout the whole year.
A large goal in the design of the Shale Experience Park was to restore a natural environment, to provide a new habitat for plants and wildlife. The water of the lake is treated with soil filters and rainwater is collected from the park to replenish the lake and feed the water playground. Residents and visitors can enjoy the nature theme park year-round, benefiting both nature and visitors of the reclaimed site.
