The new location is intended to offer more distance from the drug scene and allow families to use it undisturbed
The southern playground in Darmstadt's Herrngarten park is to be relocated. The city council has approved a new location in the southeastern part of the park. This decision is due to the drug scene in the vicinity of the Scentral nightclub on Schleiermacherstrasse. The aim is to create a play area for children and families further away from the drug scene.
The current biodiversity area in the southeastern part of the Herrngarten park is planned as the new location. It is approximately 290 meters from the Scentral and, at about 3,000 square meters, offers a comparable area to the existing playground.
Multi-generational playground with water play element planned
By incorporating the theater meadow, the new area could be further developed into a multi-generational playground. Plans also include the possibility of a water feature, intended to symbolically evoke the Darmbach stream.
The design should take into account the requirements of the historic landscape park. The existing deadwood on the current biodiversity area should be preserved. Furthermore, a loose separation of woody vegetation between the landscape park and the playground is planned.
“This fundamental decision represents a first, very important step towards creating an attractive play environment for children and families in the Herrngarten, thus preserving its historical character,” explains Head of Green Spaces Michael Kolmer. At the same time, the relocation could contribute to the revitalization of the city center.
Access to the existing playground has already been changed
As an immediate measure, the city has already adjusted the access points to the former southern playground. The northern entrance has been temporarily closed. A new entrance has been created in the eastern area, which will be fitted with a small gate. The southern entrance remains open.
The relocation has not yet been definitively decided. It is contingent upon budget approval next year and the consent of the city council.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/stip)
