Freiberg am Neckar: Monthly Review April 2026 – Kindergarten Fees, Playground Renovations, and Climate Advisory Board

Childcare and Fee Adjustments

Important Decisions for Kindergartens and Full-Day Schools

In April 2026, the Municipal Council of Freiberg am Neckar adopted a revised version of the regulation on usage fees for kindergartens, which will take effect as of 1 September 2026. The terms “Kindertageseinrichtung” and “Kindertagesbetreuung” have been replaced by “Kindergarten” to standardize and simplify the language.

In addition, two new full-day models were approved:

• GT40 (7–15 hours) with a fee of 355 €
• GT45 (7–16 hours) with a fee of 430 €

However, the second group in the Nature Kindergarten will not open for now in order to protect personnel and financial resources. The Parent Council urged the council to re-evaluate the care hours for GT40.

The fee calculation will henceforth be based on income verification and is valid until the effectiveness of a withdrawal. August remains a fee-free month – a relief for parents.

The new regulation is assessed as budget-neutral, meaning that funding through parent contributions should be secured in the long term. The previous regulations from 21 October 2025 have thus been invalidated.

Interim Groups and Personnel Costs

Another important topic was the interim group “Mole” at the Flattichkinderhaus. The Municipal Council decided not to dissolve this group as of 1 September 2026, meaning no personnel cost savings will result. In contrast, the interim group at Riedstraße 37 will be dissolved, resulting in an expected saving of 83,000 € (1.22 S8a personnel positions).

Legal Foundations and Administration

The new regulation is based on §§ 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 11 of the ordinance, as well as on § 4 (4) of the GemO, the KiTaG, and the SGB VIII. The Consultation Document 24/2026 serves as the central documentation. The Childcare Administration is responsible for setting fees, refunds, and adjustments.

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Playground Renovations and Urban Development

Renovation of the Gänsweidle Playground

In April 2026, the Technical Committee decided on the renovation of the Gänsweidle Playground. This is part of a comprehensive renovation plan that also includes regulation and control technology in the Prisma building.

Renovation Area “Heutingsheim Nord”

Another important project is the renovation of the urban development problem area “Heutingsheim Nord”. The renovation goals include:

• Housing promotion
• Social cohesion
• Ecological renewal
• Noise protection

The funding amounts to 60% of the costs, with a total funding volume of 1,000,000 € (600,000 € from federal and state funds, 400,000 € municipal contribution). The preparatory studies are being conducted by Wüstenrot Haus- und Städtebau GmbH and are estimated to cost 20,000 to 25,000 €, which are not included in the 2026 budget.

A citizen survey and participation of authorities under § 137 and § 139 BauGB are mandatory. The provisional renovation goals apply until the completion of the studies. The Municipal Council will vote on the measures on 5 May 2026.

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Climate Advisory Board and Environment

Climate Advisory Board Meets

The Climate Advisory Board met on 22 April 2026 for its 12th session. Unfortunately, an official summary is not yet available, as the meeting may not have been public or the documents have not yet been published. Nevertheless, the Climate Advisory Board is a key actor in implementing the city's climate protection strategy.

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Overview: What Was Important This Month

• New kindergarten fees: As of September 2026, a new fee regulation will apply with clear rules on withdrawal, refunds, and income verification.
• New full-day models approved: GT40 and GT45 offer parents flexible childcare hours, although the Nature Kindergarten will not be expanded for now.
• Renovation of the Gänsweidle Playground: Part of a comprehensive renovation plan.
• Urban redevelopment in Heutingsheim Nord: Focused on housing promotion and ecological renewal.
• Climate Advisory Board meets: The board remains a central actor in implementing the climate protection strategy.

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Outlook

In May 2026, further decisions are expected, particularly in the Municipal Council on the measures decided in the Technical Committee and the kindergarten fee regulation. In addition, the Climate Advisory Board is expected to present concrete measures for climate neutrality. Citizens can participate in further projects through the citizen participation process – for example, in the renovation in Heutingsheim Nord.