Following the completion of the extensive construction work carried out on and inside the school buildings over the past few years, the redesign of the schoolyard marks the final phase of the renovation of the school campus in Neustadt.

The redesign has created a modern and versatile outdoor area for the two schools that meets the requirements of contemporary school operations. On the grounds of the lower secondary level (grades 5 and 6) of the Anne Frank Realschule plus, a school with two campuses in Mainz, and the Leibniz School, a specialized elementary school, spacious and age-appropriate areas are now available for a total of approximately 450 students, of whom about 250 attend the Anne Frank Realschule plus and about 200 attend the Leibniz School.

The Department Heads for Construction, Monument Preservation, and Historical Heritage, Ludwig Holle, and the Department Head for Schools and Culture, Ata Delbasteh, together with the school administrators, Annette Jutzi (Leibniz School) and Ralf Früholz (Anne Frank Realschule plus), as well as site manager Thomas Kaut from Gebäudewirtschaft Mainz (GWM), praised the result as an important contribution to improving the school infrastructure.

After construction began in January 2025, the work—covering a total area of 4,740 m²—was completed on schedule in April 2026. The construction costs of approximately 2.64 million euros and the construction timeline were fully within the planned parameters. The project was successfully implemented by Gebäudewirtschaft Mainz (GWM).

Holle, the city’s building commissioner, describes the new shared school campus as “a place that combines learning, physical activity, and social interaction in a contemporary way. Mainz thrives on strong neighborhoods and good schools. The new open space demonstrates how we use smart planning to create spaces that benefit our children today and tomorrow.”

The new schoolyard concept includes, among other things, two school gardens, a green classroom that can be used for lessons as well as during recess, a sports arena, seating niches, a climbing area, a trampoline, and numerous other recreational and seating areas. The offerings are complemented by ping-pong tables, foosball tables, and spacious play areas. The open spaces are shared by both schools during staggered recess times.

Special attention was paid to accessibility: A central information board at the entrance depicts the entire school grounds graphically and tactilely, while ground-level guide lines lead to all important entrances. 

Ecological aspects were also consistently taken into account. By removing the paving from large areas, rainwater can now seep into the joints in the paving, which was not possible on the old asphalt surfaces. Despite the need for access roads for fire trucks, delivery traffic, and cafeteria operations, additional green spaces were created.

The newly created school gardens are actively used by both schools. The Anne Frank Realschule plus operates its school garden as part of a club on the street side, while the Leibniz Elementary School tends to its school garden in the inner courtyard area. “Anyone building in Mainz must consider quality, sustainability, and the existing structure together. That is exactly what has been achieved here: a highly usable outdoor space that blends harmoniously into its surroundings,” says Holle.

The comprehensive redesign had become necessary because the previous open spaces and facilities were severely outdated and worn out. Following the previous building construction work, they no longer met today’s requirements. For School Department Head Ata Delbasteh, the redesigned schoolyard promotes equal opportunity: “In a constantly growing city like Mainz, it is important to invest in modern and functional educational facilities. A good school needs good, accessible spaces—including outdoor areas. The new spaces give the children more opportunities to play, learn, and settle into their daily school routine.”

Head of the School Department Ata Delbasteh thanks the School Board for driving this vital project forward.

The constructive and reliable collaboration with the firm RAIBLE. FREIRAUMPLANUNG DGGL as well as the contractor Odenwäller Garten- und Landschaftsbau GmbH was highlighted. Both contributed significantly to the successful and on-time completion of the project.

Further information on the Anne Frank Realschule plus: 

As early as 2022, the existing building of the Anne Frank Realschule plus was extensively expanded and modernized. The two-story new building was constructed as an extension directly adjacent to the existing gymnasium and forms a structural boundary for the school grounds along the property lines.

The extension houses, among other things, a cafeteria featuring “art in architecture,” new restrooms, rooms for all-day care, and the library. At the same time, special emphasis was placed on accessibility. An elevator and modernized circulation areas complement the new building sections.

Extensive modifications were also made to the existing building to meet current school requirements. The entrance facing the schoolyard was redesigned with a new vestibule and also supplemented by an elevator. 

In addition, new science classrooms, a modern administrative area with a teachers’ lounge, and adapted room layouts were created to support contemporary school operations.

Following the completion of the building construction, the redesign of the outdoor facilities began.