The two wooden play structures (large slide tower and balancing combination with ropes) must be dismantled after 18 years for reasons of age and safety (stability).

Children, young people, parents, and residents of Hechtsheim were invited to the participation event on September 14, 2023. Posters announcing the event were put up in advance at the above-mentioned playground and in the residential area (various shops in the row of stores at the beginning of Vogelsbergstraße). In addition, posters and flyers were sent to the four daycare centers and two schools (as well as the school social workers) in Hechtsheim. All stakeholders were informed in advance by email; the local council chair was also asked to inform the members of the local advisory board. The playground sponsor was also invited to the meeting.

Ms. Dotzauer, the planner from the Parks and Environment Department, presented various pieces of playground equipment that are suitable for the redesign of the playground in terms of price and space requirements. After a discussion and question and answer session about the equipment, the 25 children present created the following ranking of their favorite playground equipment:

1. 1st place: Hanging rings
2. 2nd place: 2-seater swing (facing each other)
3. 3rd place: Belt bridge
4. 3rd place: Balance rope and climbing wall
5. 3rd place: Horizontal bar
6. Place: Wobble beam
7. Place: Xylophone

Mainz-Hechtsheim

• Construction work and project implementation: Fall/Winter 2024
• Planned completion: Spring 2025

Funds for new purchases were made available at an early stage in the "Child-friendly Mainz" budget of the Office for Youth and Family Affairs. A total of €70,000 is available for the purchase of new playground equipment.

All of the playground equipment selected by the children was installed in late fall. The project was completed in the spring. The playground has been open since mid-March and has been in heavy use ever since. A newly installed musical instrument proved to be too loud in practice, so modifications were necessary.

Department IV – Social Affairs, Children, Youth, Schools, and Health
Office for Youth and Family Affairs (51)
Wolfgang Stiren (opens in a new tab)

Department V – Environment, Green Spaces, Energy, and Transportation
Office for Green Spaces and the Environment (67)
Susanne Dotzauer