Herten in Focus – Monthly Review February 2026

Olympic Visions and Citizens' Initiative

February 2026 was marked by a historic decision: The Herten City Council unanimously decided to hold a citizens' initiative regarding the Olympic Games. Citizens will vote by mail on April 19, 2026, to determine whether Herten, together with Recklinghausen, should begin the bid for the Games in 2036, 2040, or 2044. The Halde Hoheward is planned as a potential location for mountain bike competitions. The total cost of the vote amounts to 106,000 €, with 21,000 € covered by the city.

Rethinking Integration

In Herten, integration is being redefined. The Committee for Equal Opportunities and Integration approved a comprehensive integration concept encompassing four areas of action: Language & Education, Economy & Employment, Culture & Religion, and Social Participation. A kick-off event is planned for March 25. In addition, the "AlphaStarter" project will continue, supporting 17 newly arrived students in secondary education.

Education and Sport: Future in Concrete

The construction of the Rosa-Parks-School has been approved. The school will include an integrated sports hall with four sections, suitable for professional basketball as well. The total cost is approximately 100 million euros. In addition, a covered small playing field with artificial turf at Fritz-Erler-Street has been approved. The SV Vestia Disteln will receive a subsidy of 550,000 euros for this.

Key Decisions for Safety and Order

The Committee for Safety, Fire Protection, and Order set clear standards: The open shopping Sundays in the city center of Herten for April, September, and December 2026 have been approved. In addition, an event concept for the former Ewald mine shaft was adopted, including 18 events per year – from concerts to classic car meets.

Urban Planning and Environment: New Paths in the City Center

The Committee for Urban Planning, Environment, and Economy approved the redevelopment of the city center (Antoniusplatz, Otto-Wels-Platz, Marktplatz) and the initiation of an integrated urban development concept (ISEK). In addition, the frozen development status for the "Ewald Site Development" area has been extended until 2027.

What Was Important This Month

• The citizens' initiative on the Olympic Games has been decided.
• A new integration concept for Herten is being developed.
• The construction of the Rosa-Parks-School has been decided.
• Open shopping Sundays and an event series in the Ewald mine shaft have been approved.
• The city center redevelopment is taking concrete shape.
• The AlphaStarter program will continue to support newly arrived young people.

Outlook: Integration, Sport, and Future

The city of Herten is making progress in several areas simultaneously: In education, in safety, in integration, and in sports development. The coming weeks and months will be decisive – not only for the implementation of the approved projects, but also for public participation, especially in connection with the citizens' initiative. The city is actively planning, but it is also pausing to involve its citizens.