The Jordan was created between 1966 and 1968 on the initiative of Weißensee citizens in countless hours of work and under the most difficult conditions. An originally overgrown swamp area was cultivated in 3 years and transformed into an attractive local recreation area for the citizens of the town. The newly created lake has been supplied with water from the Sächsische Helbe since this time. This artificial watercourse was built between 1378 and 1385 to supply the upper town with vital water. This water source is of inestimable value to Weißensee. A masterpiece of hydraulic engineering from the Middle Ages, the Sächsische Helbe is the southern part of a long and branching ditch system, which carries the water over a length of 19 km and a height difference of 15.5 m from the Westgreußen dam to Weißensee. Due to the low gradient, it takes the water a full 24 hours to cover this distance and reach the lake. The local recreation center on the Jordan River with its integrated Chinese garden is now not only an attraction for citizens seeking relaxation, but also for many visitors and tourists.