Barthels bought the property and had it converted into a park. The city then bought it back, with a view to further improvement as a place of recreation, in 1888. To make it more accessible, a bridge, the Peissnitzbrücke, was built in 1899. The park has maintained its recreational character to this day, with a stage for open air performances, exhibition halls, a planetarium and a tour round the island for children in a narrow gauge railway, the Peissnitz Express. Particular attractions for children also include a range of playgrounds, while the traditional Lantern Fête, which takes place in August, is also focussed here, with the exception of the nature reserve on the northern end of the island. In the grassy Ziegelwiese various works of sculpture are to be admired, as well as an artificial pond complete with fountain, where people can skate in winter.