Cologne as an unlucky raven: Playground renaming causes outrage!

Cologne as an unlucky raven: Playground renaming causes outrage!

Cologne doesn't have the best reputation at the moment, and there are various reasons for that. The city, which was once considered a lively metropolis, is now described by some as the “unlucky raven” among major German cities. The most recent example of this are the plans to rename playgrounds, which have even attracted national attention. Many citizens are outraged by developments in administration and politics, while important, thoughtful voices, such as those from the NRW City Youth Association, remain misunderstood 24rhine is to be read.

But what is behind this negative perception? Cologne struggles with things like traffic chaos, constant construction sites and the lengthy renovation work on the opera. All of these aspects contribute to the city losing its identity. Brand expert Alexander Rauch, managing partner of the Cologne agency “Spirit for Brands”, says that “the Cologne brand is being damaged”. He describes the situation as a “brand proliferation” that has grown over decades. While historical features such as the Rhine, Cologne Cathedral, Carnival and 1. FC Cologne still exist, the current perception is seen as “overgrown and overgrown”, without a clear identity.

Renaming 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 terms “play and activity area” should be used in the future. This measure is intended to promote the expanded 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 involving children and young people in the design process. The new names are expected to be used in over 700 playgrounds from autumn 2025, and the development costs will amount to around 38,000 euros WDR.

However, this renaming is not met with enthusiasm by everyone. Critics like Lindita S. complain 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 issue to the City Council on September 4th.

The future of Cologne: challenges and opportunities

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

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