Renovation of the Schäferstraße playground

After the city of Offenbach renovated the playgrounds on Heusenstammer Weg and the Scheffelplatz playground last year, the next project for children and young people is now in preparation: at its most recent meeting, the city council gave the green light for the renovation of the playground on Schäferstraße in the Senefelderquartier. In addition, part of the public space at the intersection of Schäferstraße and Hermannstraße is also to be redesigned. If the city councillors also approve the magistrate's project resolution at their January meeting, the planning can be further specified by the Office for Planning and Construction and the tender for the construction work can be issued. Paul-Gerhard Weiß, Head of Planning and Construction, emphasizes: "Children and young people remain a key target group for the city's investments. Despite economic challenges, Offenbach continues to invest considerable funds in schools, daycare centers, leisure facilities and family-friendly infrastructure."

Because there are too few public play facilities, the area on Schäferstraße is of particular importance. Due to the lack of alternatives, it is also used as a neighborhood hangout and meeting place. However, the playground in its current state is in great need of renovation and has hardly been modernized since its opening in 1996. The equipment is outdated and does not offer sufficient facilities for every age group. At the Schäferstraße / Hermannstraße junction, only two benches offer a meagre opportunity to rest.

The planned redesign is intended to create new play facilities for children up to the age of 14. At the same time, the space for adults without children will be improved and additional seating and meeting areas will enliven the center of the neighborhood. The play area and part of the adjacent traffic areas will be redesigned to create a meeting place for all generations. "Our aim is to create a social meeting place that offers space for both children and adults and thus benefits everyone in the neighborhood," explains Weiß. "Offenbach is thus improving the quality of life and living in Schäferstraße. The redesign not only provides much-needed play opportunities for children, but also creates new meeting places that bring people of different ages and backgrounds together," says Weiß.

The children's and youth parliament was involved at the start of the project. Residents in the district were also consulted and advice from the district office and the "Schäfergarten" volunteer project was fully incorporated. The design by the commissioned planning office envisages expanding the play options for all age groups on the approximately 2,500 square meter area, focusing on both traditional play equipment and play options that are independent of equipment. Another important focus is on facilitating access for people with limited mobility and creating inclusive play options.

Climate and nature conservation are also taken into account. Where possible, existing materials are to be reused. As little surface area as possible is to be sealed - the overall aim is to make it greener than before. Although 15 trees will have to be removed, 25 new, climate-adapted trees will be planted. The new tree locations are to be designed according to the so-called "Stockholm construction method" to optimize rainwater and offer the new plantings sustainable site conditions. An awning and a green canopy will provide even more shade in summer. Bicycle racks will be installed to make it more attractive to arrive by bike. An information board on the history of the site rounds off the concept.

Due to the partial need for soil remediation and explosive ordnance detection, the costs for the redesign are estimated at around 1.4 million euros. However, at least 75 percent of these costs will be covered by the federal and state governments as part of the "Social Cohesion" funding program. Construction work is expected to begin in the winter of 2025 / 2026. The site should then be available again as a neighborhood meeting place and playground in summer 2026.