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New lanterns for more safety in Westpark: Goodbye dark corners!
On June 7, 2025, improvements to lighting in Westpark will begin with three new lanterns to increase safety and visibility.
New lanterns for more safety in Westpark: Goodbye dark corners!
Something is happening in Westpark! From the day after Pentecost, three new lanterns will be set up there to provide more light and safety on the main paths. This measure, which is also a direct result of a proposal from the SPD parliamentary group in the Aachen-Mitte district council, aims to create illuminated paths that enable safe use of the park even in the evening hours. Loud Euregio Current A lantern will be placed between Lochnerstrasse and Welkenrather Strasse and another on the circular path, on the corner between Westpark and Gartenstrasse.
The Westpark is not only a popular recreational area with playgrounds and barbecue areas, but also an important habitat for various animal species. But there is a dilemma here: while the lighting questions raised could provide greater safety, there are also concerns about the impact on wildlife. In particular, the lighting around the pond, which is currently not available, could disrupt the natural environment. The administration recommends lighting only the main crossing path and foregoing extensive lighting in the northern area of the park, as this could have negative consequences for the insect population, as shown Council information Aachen is reported.
Lighting as a safety factor
Lighting plays a central role in safety in public spaces, not only for traffic safety, but also for actual perceived social security. In the dark, visibility is significantly reduced, making it difficult to estimate distances. Women in particular, especially older ones, feel insecure FGS Berlin is shown. Over two thirds of the women surveyed said they were afraid of being attacked in the dark. Effective lighting could help reduce these fears and thus motivate more people to use the park in the evening.
The project to improve lighting in Westpark also has a practical dimension: the work will last around two weeks, although the main route between Lochnerstrasse and Welkenrather Strasse remains open. A small side path with benches, however, will be closed for a short time in order to lay the cables.
The estimated costs for installing the lighting systems are around 18,000 euros. Unfortunately, the funds for this are not included in the current budget. However, it remains to be hoped that advances in lighting in the park can not only provide better visibility, but also make park visitors feel safer, while at the same time respecting the animal residents of West Park.