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About this place
St. Johanns-Park is a public park in the St. Johann district of northern Basel, close to the Rhine promenade. It opened in 1992 and was redesigned in 2011. Locals use it daily as a meeting place for all generations, and visitors find it an easy stop for a break, especially with children.
What is there to see in St. Johanns-Park?
The pavilion sits at the heart of the park. It holds the Parkcafé "kleiner Wassermann" and the office of the Neutraler Quartierverein St. Johann, the neighbourhood association. A wide lawn spreads around it, with benches along the paths and a drinking fountain.
Two climbing sculptures, a pig and a goose, recall the days when animals grazed here outside the St. Johanns-Tor gate. A third work, "Zhou", shaped like a boat, was a gift from the city of Shanghai to Basel in 2012.
Is it a good place for families?
Yes. The playground suits several age groups and includes a large slide. A water-play area with spray nozzles set into the ground runs in warm weather, and the open meeting space "Spilruum St. Johann" is aimed at children. Older visitors can use the outdoor fitness equipment, while a football pitch with goals covers ball games. Public toilets are on site.
What is the history of the site?
The land outside the city gate once served as pasture. The former hospital area of St. Johann held a cemetery, and during the first phase of the green park in 1988-89 on the old city nursery grounds, about 1,000 graves had to be uncovered and relocated. The park is listed in the cantonal inventory of protected natural objects.
How should you plan a visit?
St. Johann has few public green spaces; besides this park there are Kannenfeldpark and the Rhine promenade. Combining the park with a walk to the river fills half a day. Late spring and summer are best, when the café is open and the water play area is running. Entry is free. The park is managed by Stadtgärtnerei Basel (Dufourstrasse 40).
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entry fee?
No, it is an open city park.
Is there a café?
Yes, the Parkcafé "kleiner Wassermann" operates in the central pavilion.
Are there toilets and drinking water?
Yes, the park has public toilets and a drinking fountain.
What should I bring for children?
A change of clothes for the water-play area. The playground, slide and climbing sculptures easily fill a few hours.
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