Waffle fun and neighborhood: Dortmund's Summer Street put to the test!

Waffle fun and neighborhood: Dortmund's Summer Street put to the test!

Summer in Dortmund is in full swing and this is also reflected in “Summer Street” on Saarlandstrasse. This initiative, which has been ensuring a better quality of life in the neighborhood since July 29th, attracts passers-by despite the high temperatures of over 30 degrees Celsius. Today, August 14, 2025, a waffle baking event began and the first delicious waffles will be distributed worldwide. The “Nordwärts” coordination office has put in the effort and is supporting the campaign with additional benches, tables and even a bubble machine to create an inviting atmosphere, reports WDR.

Although the event is lovingly organized, there has so far been no large crowds. Only around ten people take the opportunity to enjoy the freshly baked waffles. This makes Dietmar Stahlschmidt, who describes the campaign as a test attempt, think. The aim is to raise awareness among residents about car-free use of the street and to promote neighborly exchange.

A place for encounters and creativity

“Summer Street” offers a colorful program full of creative ideas, music and hands-on activities. This week, for example, there are information stands from the EDG and an Aikido lecture from Takemusu Aikido Dortmund e. V. announced. The singer Ms. Supertramp will also perform on Friday and show how lively neighborhood life can be. Interested citizens can bring in their own actions and thus actively contribute to the design of the program. “There is something going on,” says the coordination office, and encourages people to bring in creative ideas. If you would like to take part, you can contact us directly dortmund-nordwaerts.de/summerstreet report.

Some residents are optimistic. While some criticize the parking problem and the costs of around 100,000 euros for six weeks, others look at the positive aspects of the project: more space to linger and stroll, especially in the evenings. Managers from the FH Dortmund provide scientific support for the project and collect data to examine the impact on the neighborhood and the acceptance of the initiative.

Networking for a better neighborhood

The idea behind “Summer Street” is not just a short-term event, but part of a larger plan to recognize neighborhoods as important components for urban development. The vhw – Federal Association for Housing and Urban Development e. In cooperation with the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland, V. has committed itself to investigating the social dynamics within neighborhoods. Transforming Cities explains that social interactions and neighborhood initiatives are essential building blocks for sustainable urban development.

Whether “Summer Street” will take place again next year is currently unclear. Nevertheless, the current situation shows how important such projects are for the quality of life and social exchange in urban areas. When neighbors come together and collaborate, it not only creates a pleasant atmosphere, but also promotes a sense of community.

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