Built on the grounds of a former railway freight yard, Grüne Mitte Essen (also known as the University Quarter) is a modern urban district and public park in Essen's Westviertel. The park covers about four hectares. It connects Essen's city center directly with the University campus. Long water basins stretch through the park connecting Berliner Platz and Rheinischer Platz. Large lawns offer space to relax. The park features playgrounds, sports facilities, and wide walking paths. New apartment and office buildings surround the green space. The district is a model project for sustainable and modern urban development in the Ruhr area.