Gevelsberg in February 2026: Decisions for Childcare, Culture, Economy and More

Decisions that Change Gevelsberg

What was important this month:

• The Youth Welfare Committee approved the revision of the Kindergarten Needs Plan 2026/2027, providing a total of 1,155 childcare places and 90 day-care places.
• The Committee for Urban Development adopted a new Playground Ordinance, laying the foundation for child-friendly urban play spaces.
• The Committee for Seniors, Health, and Social Affairs reviewed a report on current developments in the refugee sector and the 2026 Budget Ordinance.
• The Committee for Schools, Culture, Sports and Leisure approved several measures for sports facility maintenance and the promotion of cultural projects.
• The Operating Committee of the Technical Services approved investments exceeding 1.7 million euros in wastewater measures and infrastructure.

Childcare Places, plusKITAs and Culture: Focus on Education and Community

Important decisions were made in the Youth Welfare Committee in February, aimed at further developing childcare services in Gevelsberg. The Kindergarten Needs Plan for 2026/2027 was updated and provides a total of 1,155 childcare places and 90 day-care places. The administration will submit applications to the State Youth Office by March 15.

Six childcare facilities were recognized as plusKITAs, including Zauberstern, the Evangelical Kindergarten Berge, and the AWO Family Center Am Poeten. A total of 37,902.29 euros in funding is provided for 2026/2027. In addition, the 2026 Budget Draft for the Youth Welfare Committee was unanimously approved and forwarded to the Main Committee.

Urban Development, Zoning and Economy: Planning for the Future

In February, the Committee for Urban Development, Environment and Economic Promotion approved several key measures. The Playground Ordinance was revised to improve safety and quality of playgrounds for young children. This revision was based on the North Rhine-Westphalia Building Code (§ 8 Abs. 2 BauO NRW).

In addition, it was decided to advance the inter-municipal heat planning in collaboration with the cities of Breckerfeld, Ennepetal and Schwelm. In the Stefansbecke, the watercourse development is planned for the first half of 2026, with an investment of approx. 1.7 million euros.

In the area of land development, the cost-sharing plan for the Goethestraße was established, with expected revenues of approx. 20,000 euros. In addition, the zoning plan amendment for Asbeck in favor of the building boost was abandoned.

Culture, Sports and Leisure: Gevelsberg Remains Vibrant

In February, the Committee for Schools, Culture, Sports and Leisure approved several measures for sports facility maintenance. Among other things, goal post heighteners, noise-dampening nets, and adjustable basketball hoops were purchased. The safety inspection of the gymnasia was also approved to further strengthen accident prevention.

In culture, Gevelsberg is working closely with the Cultural Secretariat NRW, and the membership will continue. For 2025, 26,910 euros in funding for cultural projects have already been approved. The Summer Reading Club will no longer be funded through the Cultural Secretariat in the future, but through sponsorship by the Sparkasse.

Social Affairs and Integration: Gevelsberg Remains an Open Home

In February, the Committee for Seniors, Health and Social Affairs discussed current developments in the refugee sector. Currently, there are 21 Ukrainian refugees in municipal accommodations, including 7 children. The fulfillment rate for the residence requirement is 97.59%, and the city is still obligated to accept 6 more people.

The Old Fire Station is fully occupied with 29 people, and the Rupprecht House with 21 people. The former premises of Licatec have been vacated. The committee also approved the 2026 Budget Ordinance Draft and recommended that it be submitted to the Main Committee and City Council for approval.

Outlook and Context

The decisions made in February 2026 show a Gevelsberg that remains active in the education sector, infrastructure, and social affairs. The childcare places secure the city's future, the sports facility maintenance emphasizes the high value of health and movement, and the inter-municipal planning in economy and energy shows that Gevelsberg is acting in a networked manner beyond city borders.

With the plusKITAs, the revised Playground Ordinance, and the investments in wastewater and watercourse development, Gevelsberg is pursuing a sustainable and child-friendly urban development. At the same time, the focus remains on integration and social cohesion, which is especially important in times of migration and social challenges.

Conclusion and Outlook

February 2026 was a month of planning and decisions in Gevelsberg. From the Kindergarten Needs Plan to sports facility maintenance, from urban development to social policy, the city is focusing on future security, sustainability, and social responsibility. In March, the Main Committee and the City Council will make the final decision on the budget drafts. In addition, the watercourse development in the Stefansbecke will be implemented.

Stay tuned – Gevelsberg is continuing to develop, and in the direction of a liveable, vibrant, and efficient city.