Cologne wants to rename playground: discussion about costs and meaning!

Cologne wants to rename playground: discussion about costs and meaning!

In Cologne there is an exciting discussion about the renaming of around 700 playgrounds. Mayor Henriette Reker announced on July 2, 2025 that the term “playground” should be replaced by “play and action space” from autumn 2025. This decision already caused a lot of debates among the citizens of Cologne: inside who are asking whether there are more important topics in the city than the revision of playground signs. As Express , many would like to know what costs are associated with the renaming.

The renaming that was developed as part of a participatory process with the Cologne youth and children aims to reject outdated signs that suggest that game systems are only intended for children. Politicians provided a total of 38,000 euros for this process. However, readers suspect that the entire renaming could cost a good 400,000 euros. The signs should be replaced successively within the framework of renewal measures over several years, whereby the costs are covered by ongoing construction work and regular care of the places. href = "https://www.focus.de/panorama/welt/koeln-schaft-den-dielplatz-und-hundert-hundert-schilder-aus_71563076-a8b8-9dac-59d441409c.html"> Focus "Playground" is clear and understandable and sees the administration rather as a duty to take care of more pressing challenges.

Inclusion in focus

However, the city administration also has another important aspect in view: inclusion. Cologne playgrounds should not only be accessible to children, but for all ages and usage layers. Galk indicates that the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Disabilities ensures that all children, regardless of their skills, can participate in the game. Not only are there a value on barrier -free access, but also on a wide range of equipment that takes into account different needs.

Cologne politics is planning to create over 120 new play and action areas or to modernize existing systems. The conversion of existing playgrounds into "meeting places for young people" is also planned. The available play area in Cologne is currently only 1.2 square meters per inhabitant; The city council previously set two square meters as the future guideline.

In September 2023, the youth welfare committee unanimously decided to develop a new playground sign that included the opinions of children, young people and citizens: inside. This new shield design is said to be characterized by a wide -ranging address of all user groups. The presentation of fictional people in motion is intended to help to leave age and origin and focus on the game incentives.

It remains exciting how the city council will decide on the renaming on September 4. One thing is clear: Cologne citizens: Inside, the future of their playgrounds, but also for the associated costs and the question of how inclusive these new play and action areas can be designed. Discussions about potential for improvement are already in full swing.