New inclusive playground on Essener Straße: fun for everyone!

New inclusive playground on Essener Straße: fun for everyone!

In Hamburg, a new playground is now in operation on Essener Straße, which not only provides a lot of fun, but is also a prime example of inclusion. In joint workshops with young residents, a diverse range of games and sports was developed that meets the needs of all children. Here, little ones and teenagers can not only show off their kicking skills in the street soccer area, but also play basketball or fly over ramps in the skate park.

The playground could hardly be better designed. In the north there is a streetball field with standard dimensions, surrounded by a ball catch fence, which also serves as a suspension for the basket. A seating platform on the side offers enough space for spectators to watch the exciting games. There are also two street soccer areas with soundproof barriers that invite you to play while protecting the surrounding area. A special highlight is the skate park, which was designed with the help of the local skate group. It features several ramps and steps decorated with graffiti by talented artists.

Inclusion is very important

Particularly important in the design was accessibility, which is taken seriously here. Barrier-free playgrounds are a crucial step in enabling children with and without disabilities to play and promoting acceptance of differences. Dr. Volker Anneken from the Research Institute for Inclusion through Movement and Sport (FIBS) emphasizes that playful interactions are important for the development of all children. However, the reality in Germany is often different because many playgrounds are not barrier-free and exclude children with disabilities. This makes the initiative of Aktion Mensch, which campaigns for more inclusive playgrounds in Germany, all the more important.

The initiative also provides information on checklists and recommendations for action to facilitate the construction of such inclusive venues. It is obvious that playgrounds like those on Essener Straße strengthen the exchange between parents and accompanying persons and promote the integration of children with disabilities into the community.

Accessibility and connectivity

Good connectivity is crucial and this playground makes it easy for parents and children to get to. The new playground is optimally connected to public transport via the Kiwittsmoor underground station. Directly on Essener Straße, next to house number 9, it can be easily integrated into everyday life. The new network of paths also connects the playground with the hiking trail along the Tarpenbek, which offers additional opportunities for excursions.

With this new playground, Hamburg shows that it has a good hand when it comes to planning and designing playgrounds. Not only is magic done here, but a valuable space for community and cohesion is also created.