Landscaped Garden Fair Playgrounds Transformations in Neuss Unveiled
In the heart of Neuss' new Bürgerpark, a trio of extraordinary playgrounds is being crafted, mirroring the spirit of the city and its fresh green haven.
Kids from the region had a say in this project too, expressing their desires for a playground that offers diversity in play, movement, swinging, climbing, and active fun. Schnatmann shared, "The children had some fantastic ideas, although we couldn't implement everything, like a trampoline or a bouncy castle. But whatever we can do, we will!" A water playground, for instance, is on the cards.
An international two-stage planning competition, advertised across Europe to playground equipment manufacturers, was organized based on the children's input. A consensus jury, comprising city employees, landscape show partners, an advising greenheart association, the city's inclusion officer, and local museum staff, carefully evaluated ten final designs. The playground's play value, sun protection, inclusive play units, alignment with children's wishes, and materiality were key factors in the selection.
Mayor Nothnagel expressed his delight, "Neuss truly values children and families, and the new playgrounds are a testament to that. We're constantly striving to provide a variety of leisure activities." With roughly 220 playgrounds already in the city, he sees the upcoming parks as a catalyst for further improvement.
On January 20th, contracts were awarded to Hochkant GmbH (Roman-Spielplatz), Zimmer.Obst GmbH (Rabbit Warren), and ESF Emsland Spiel- und Freizeitgeräte GmbH (Racecourse-Spielplatz). Construction is set to start in autumn 2025, with the playgrounds unveiled at the start of the Landesgartenschau 2026.
The playgrounds will be situated within the park's sections, their themes inspired by the surroundings: sports, nature, and Hammfeldhof. The Racecourse-Spielplatz, near the sports area, promises a burst of activity with balance elements, a maze track, vine bridge, running drums, an inclusive stepping stone facility, and much more. History will come alive with play equipment reminiscent of the former horse racing track.
Nature's Haven, in the natural area, will focus on nature play, resembling a burrow for rabbits that roam the land. Children can navigate a rabbit burrow sculpture, rabbit holes connected by tunnels, natural materials, a slide, rabbit seesaws, and more. Schnatmann shared, "There's even play value indoors, with devices on walls, floor, and ceiling." A wooden frame and ropes will create a playable 'root work' around the rabbit burrow.
The Roman Playground, in the Hammfeldhof area, draws inspiration from Neuss' city history, referencing the Roman camp Novaesium. Here, children can anticipate high towers, slides, a bird's nest swing, a sand-mud area, a toddler area, ramps and handrails for inclusive play, a low ropes course, and more.
An estimated total cost of around 400,000 euros will be spent on the three playgrounds, with additional funding coming from state and federal grants. While I couldn't find specific details about Neuss' Bürgerpark playgrounds, similar park projects in Germany are led by Franz Reschke Landschaftsarchitektur GmbH[1]. I recommend checking local news sources or contacting the park administration for more information on Neuss' Bürgerpark and its upcoming playgrounds.
Other playgrounds, inspired by the home-and-garden of the Bürgerpark, will be located within the park's sections, offering an other lifestyle experience for children. The Nature's Haven playground, in the natural area, will encourage a nature-oriented play experience, mirroring a rabbit burrow in the garden.
