Oldenburg's new leisure area: search for the name of Lorenz A.!

Oldenburg's new leisure area: search for the name of Lorenz A.!

Something is happening in Oldenburg! The former tax office site on 91er-Straße will be converted into a new leisure oasis, which will open on August 15th. The decision to convert was made by the city in order to offer citizens an attractive leisure area. The 5,700 square meter area includes a large sandy area surrounded by flowering meadows and exercise areas. In addition, a “SportBox City” will be set up, where sports and gaming equipment can be easily rented via an app. Under the motto “Exercise for everyone”, the opening will be celebrated with activities under the guidance of trainer Katja Nößer and the “Spielfant” playmobile. The area is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is intended to provide space for activities and relaxation.

But that's not all: the city is calling on the population to submit suggestions for a name for the new leisure area. A first proposal is already on the table: “Lorenz-Platz”, inspired by the “Justice for Lorenz” initiative. Lorenz A. was shot during a police operation on the night of Easter Sunday, an incident that caused a nationwide stir. The young man was killed by several shots that hit him from behind. The initiative calls for Lorenz A. to be honored with a monument and calls for support for naming the square “Lorenz Square” to commemorate the tragic events. Dealing with police violence has increasingly come into focus after the case of George Floyd in the USA and what happened in Oldenburg. Studies show that attacks by police officers are not uncommon in Germany and that urgent reforms are necessary to prevent such tragedies in the future. Deutschlandfunk has compiled important information on this.

Naming and citizen participation

To name the square, all citizens are invited to put their suggestions in a lottery box. A jury will select the five best names, which will be available for voting from September 1st. This promotes a democratic process that actively involves citizens in shaping their environment. At a stand run by the Participation Coordination Office, children have the opportunity to paint pictures of their “dream place” and thus share their ideas.

Hopefully, the opening of the leisure area and an appropriate name will not only create a place for relaxation, but will also set a lasting example that will keep the memory of Lorenz A. and the discussion about police violence in Germany alive. The “Justice for Lorenz” initiative and the city of Oldenburg are committed to ensuring that the new square becomes a symbol of cohesion and justice that strengthens the community. Zeit Online reports on the call to support this honor.

The restructuring measures and the discussion about police violence show that Oldenburg is well on the way to promoting a lively and committed community in which everyone is heard and every contribution counts.