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Spielmobil e. V. takes over new facility in the Woogsviertel district – Long-term center in planning
The City of Darmstadt handed over the keys to the new interim children's and youth center at Darmstraße 8 to the operator, Spielmobil e. V., on Wednesday, March 26. The facility in the Woogsviertel district will serve as a temporary solution for open-access children's and youth work until the planned neighborhood center in the district is completed.
Mayor Barbara Akdeniz and Planning Director Michael Kolmer emphasized the importance of the project for the district at the handover ceremony: "We are strengthening social cohesion and creating important space for young people – while simultaneously preserving biodiverse green spaces and open areas." The project is being implemented as part of the urban development funding program "Growth and Sustainable Renewal".
Participation from the local community
The development of the neighborhood center is based on an extensive participatory process that has been underway since autumn 2022. In close consultation with stakeholders from the neighborhood – including NaturFreunde (Friends of Nature), Gartenhort (garden center), AG Lebenswertes Woogsviertel (Working Group for a Livable Woogsviertel), AG Quartierszentrum (Working Group for the Neighborhood Center), Spielmobil e. V. (Mobile Playground Association) and the Local Partnership – the idea for a shared center with diverse usage possibilities was developed.
Long-term planning with sustainable goals
The plan is to construct a new neighborhood, children's, and youth center on the properties at Darmstraße 4a, 6, and 8. The existing community center of the NaturFreunde (Friends of Nature) will be expanded as part of the project. Particular emphasis will be placed on preserving the existing trees and creating additional green spaces to promote biodiversity.
"The future center should be a vibrant place for encounters, education, and leisure," said Kolmer. The planning is being handled by the city planning office. Particular emphasis is being placed on further public participation – children and young people will also be involved in the decision-making processes.
Financing and next steps
The project is being financed equally by the federal government, the state of Hesse, and the city of Darmstadt. A feasibility study has already examined various construction options and served as the basis for the city council's resolution of June 20, 2024. Detailed planning is currently underway. Once the preliminary planning is complete, it will be presented to the political bodies again.
With the opening of the interim children's and youth center by Spielmobil e. V., a first concrete step has now been taken to address the need for children's and youth services in the neighborhood at an early stage.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/dk/stip)
