Cologne as an accident rave: playground by name causes outrage!

Cologne as an accident rave: playground by name causes outrage!

Köln, Deutschland - Cologne currently doesn't have the best reputation, and there are various reasons. The city, which was once considered a lively metropolis, is now referred to by some as a "accident raven" among major German cities. The most recent example of this is the plans for renaming playgrounds that even attracted national attention. Many citizens are outraged by the developments in the administration and politics, while important voices, such as those from the city youth ring NRW, are misunderstood, such as "https://www.24rhein.de/koeln/nimmt-schaden-gossstadt-werd--unluecksrabe-und-zr-93830504.html" Class = "Source_1"> 24rhein can be read.

But what is behind this negative perception? Cologne fights with things such as traffic chaos, constant construction sites and the lengthy renovation work at the opera. All of these aspects help the city lose its identity. Brand expert Alexander Rauch, managing partner of the Cologne agency "Spirit for Brands", expresses that "the Cologne brand is damaged". He describes the Situation as a "branded game" that has grown over for decades. While historical characteristics such as the Rhine, the Cologne Cathedral, the Carnival and the 1. FC Köln still exist, the current perception is perceived as "overgrown and overgrown", without clear identity.

renaming the playgrounds: a new direction?

The city administration has decided to change the signage at all playgrounds in Cologne. Instead of the traditional term "playground", the names "play and action space" should be used in the future. This measure is intended to promote the extended idea of inclusion and make the places more accessible to all citizens. The city worked on the new signs for around a year with the help of a design agency after children and young people were involved in the design process. The new names are expected to be used at over 700 playgrounds from autumn 2025, and the development costs will amount to around 38,000 euros, so WDR .

This renaming does not meet with everyone. Critics like Lindita S. criticize that the money could be better used for more important projects. Even Mayor Henriette Reker has distanced herself from the plans and considers the term “playground” to be clear and understandable. She plans to present the topic to the city council on September 4th.

The future of Cologne: challenges and opportunities

As a top center, Cologne attracts around 300,000 commuters every day, but the city faces the challenge of staying worth living for its residents. The withdrawal of the citizens from the city center and the falling identification with the city are alarming developments. The discussion about the positioning of Cologne as a possible Olympic city illustrates the desire for a conscious urban design and creative politics to finally strengthen the Cologne brand.

Overall, it turns out that there is a lot in the Argen in Cologne, and a serious examination of urban development and identity is required to get this metropolis back on track. So that the people here not only commuters, but also happy residents.