Youth Policy in Hamm: Investments, Inclusion, and Future Perspectives

Inclusion, Education, and Investments: Youth Policy in Hamm in March 2026

The city of Hamm has established itself in recent years as a pioneer in youth policy. In March 2026, numerous decisions and initiatives came together, placing the focus on inclusion, early childhood education, and cultural education. Below, we highlight the most important developments and their significance for the future of youth in Hamm.

Playground Development and Inclusion: Barrier-Free Standards as the Norm

A central topic in youth policy is the development of playgrounds accessible to all children. Hamm has clearly set out to raise the standards in this area. The playground development plan currently includes 284 playground and recreation areas, including soccer fields, skate parks, and inclusive play stations.

Since 2022, 430,000 € has already been invested in barrier-free playgrounds, and an additional 3.945 million euros is planned for the years 2026–2027. Particularly notable are projects such as the Nordringpark, the Exerzierplatz, and the Waldspielplatz Moritzstraße – all equipped with sensory elements and barrier-free offerings.

The city is relying on a structured planning approach: 65 playground districts are used for needs analysis, and a steering group composed of the youth office, urban planning, and public works ensures coordination. The digital playground map, accessible via the HammApp and the Masterportal, allows parents and children to easily and clearly search for offerings.

Early Childhood Education: Expansion of Kindergartens and Childcare Places

In early childhood education, Hamm is focusing on comprehensive and high-quality care. The city has set itself the goal of achieving a childcare coverage rate of 50–55% for children under three years of age and 100% for children over three by 2029.

In 2026/2027, 327 additional childcare places are planned in 22 new groups, including new facilities at locations such as the Kita St. Victor or Uphof. At the same time, the quality of educational work is being strengthened by phasing out 47 overcrowded places and integrating them into the standard structure.

The funding for these measures comes from municipal and state-funded sources (85% state funding, 15% municipal funding). For school holiday childcare, up to 1.078 million euros is planned by 2028.

Youth Support and Inclusive Social Work: Being There for All Young People

Youth support in Hamm is coordinated through the Local Youth Support Plan (KJFP). The current plan for the years 2026–2029 is still under discussion, but important proposals have already been debated. A petition for queer youth work led to the consideration of a personnel model for queer-sensitive social work – a 50% position to be staffed by professionals with queer qualifications.

These developments show that Hamm is not only pursuing quantitative expansion measures but also strengthening inclusion in a narrower sense. The working group "Queer" is a central partner in these discussions and is ensuring greater participation of queer youth in urban planning.

Investments in Youth Centers and Culture: Future Hubs for Youth

Another focus is investment in youth centers. The youth center Kubus and the youth center Casino have come into the spotlight – both with significant investments attached. For the Kubus, a total of 5.3 million euros is planned, including 300,000 € for 2026 and 2.5 million euros for 2027. The Casino will receive 7.67 million euros for project development.

These investments are not only aimed at structural improvements but also at the development of programs that strengthen youth in their development. In particular, in areas such as culture, education, and social work, Hamm is relying on long-term concepts. The "Zeitreise Labor" as a children's museum and the cooperation with the Hamm Music School are examples of how cultural education is being embedded in Hamm.

Conclusion: Youth Policy as the Key to the Future

Youth policy in Hamm is characterized by a clear focus on inclusion, education, and investments. With over 3.9 million euros in investments in barrier-free playgrounds, an expansion plan for kindergartens, and a strong commitment to youth support, the city is positioning itself as a pioneer in this field.

The challenges are considerable – not least due to the declining number of children under three and the rising costs in youth welfare. But Hamm is relying on long-term planning, cooperative structures, and a strong participation of youth themselves.

In the coming years, it will be crucial to translate these political impulses into concrete results – for a city in which all children and young people have their opportunities.