Everswinkel in Focus: Fire Department, Education, and Climate Protection in February 2026

A Month of Clear Impulses for Education, Safety, and Climate Protection

What was important this month

• Construction of the new fire station in Alverskirchen with a budget of over 7.6 million euros and construction starting in 2027
• Adjustment of parental contributions at the Open Full-Time Primary School to an income-dependent model
• No new wind energy areas outside of designated priority areas in the regional plan
• Renovation work on the town hall, schools, and access roads
• Digitization of passenger information at bus stops
• Fixation of the Open Shopping Sunday for 2026

Education and Parental Contributions: More Transparent Financing for Childcare Services

In February, the Open Full-Time Primary School in Everswinkel embarked on a new course. Parental contributions for the childcare services "acht bis eins" and "Dreizehn Plus" were changed to an income-dependent model. A gross annual income of 37,000 euros is the new threshold, from which contributions are charged. A 50% discount applies for the second child, and further children are exempt from fees.

The changes to the regulations were unanimously approved and will take effect from August 1, 2026. At the same time, the sibling child regulation was adjusted and the sibling bonus for daycare centers was abolished. The legal basis includes the Full-Time Support Act and the Children's Education Act.

This reform is seen as a step toward equality and financial fairness, as it reduces the burden on families with multiple children. At the same time, the funding of childcare services remains secure.

Safety and Infrastructure: Major Projects and Minor Renovations

In the Construction and Infrastructure Committee, the construction of the new fire station in Alverskirchen with a total budget of 7,695,421 euros was unanimously approved. The architect Torsten Kiefer has taken on the planning, and the start of construction is scheduled for January 2027. This is a milestone for fire safety in the municipality.

In addition to this major project, several renovation measures were also in focus:

• Asphalt and surface treatment of access roads (148,000 euros)
• Fire protection measures at the town hall (190,000 euros)
• Basement waterproofing at Alverskirchen Primary School (20,000 euros)
• Ceiling renovation in the gymnasium (50,000 euros)
• Floor renovation at the combined school (85,000 euros)

These investments show that Everswinkel not only builds for the future, but also prioritizes the maintenance of existing infrastructure.

Climate Protection and Wind Energy: No New Priority Areas

The Committee for Planning, Environment, and Climate Protection has decided not to consider additional areas for wind turbines outside of the already designated priority areas in the regional plan. This decision reflects the current stance on urban and ecological balance.

At the same time, a CDU motion to examine the marketing of the former kindergarten site in the Bergkamp III housing area was accepted. The plot has a total value of 1.178 million euros and could be used for residential construction. The administration will now investigate planning, infrastructural, and economic aspects.

The municipality already has 13 wind turbines and plans for 5 more, having already exceeded the goals of the regional plan. In addition, a motion for digital passenger information at the bus stop on Freckenhorster Straße was unanimously approved to improve mobility and sustainability.

Broader Developments: Education, Safety, and Climate in Tension

A central theme in Everswinkel is the search for balance between investments in safety, education, and climate protection. The construction of the fire station and the renovation work show that the municipality is ready to invest large sums in infrastructure to ensure the quality of life and safety of its citizens.

At the same time, education is being financed more transparently, which is expected to build trust between parents and the administration. In climate protection, the attitude is cautious but not rejecting – the municipality is relying on existing priority areas and examining new measures such as digital passenger information.

Conclusion and Outlook

February 2026 in Everswinkel was marked by clear decisions in education, safety, and climate protection. The construction of the fire station, the reform of parental contributions, and the stance on wind energy show that the municipality is acting strategically and with a future-oriented mindset.

In March, along with the building permit for the fire station, the implementation of digital passenger information will also take place. Renovation work will continue, and new educational facilities will begin to show their effects. The municipality remains transparent, citizen-oriented, and goal-oriented.