Neuss Invests in Children's Playgrounds: Renovations and Safety in Focus

Playground Renovations: Budget, Condition, and Goals

In March 2026, the city of Neuss will focus on three children's playgrounds: Rankestraße in Allerheiligen, Meertal in the Augustinus district, and the Kinderbauernhof (children's farm) in Selikum. These playgrounds are in varying states of structural condition. While the playground at Rankestraße shows age-related damage, particularly to the play tower, and requires a complete overhaul, the Meertal playground is problematic due to its low play value and lack of sand play areas. The Kinderbauernhof in Selikum, on the other hand, has worn-out equipment that must be replaced.

The goal of the renovations is to make the playgrounds age-appropriate, diversify the offerings, and promote social interaction. The total cost for the three projects amounts to 400,000 euros, distributed as 90,000 euros for Rankestraße, 90,000 euros for Meertal, and 200,000 euros for the Kinderbauernhof. These funds are budgeted under cost item I22230001.

The administration plans to carry out the renovation work in the 2026 fiscal year, incorporating an additional financial buffer of 20,000 euros into the calculation to cushion against potential cost increases.

Playground Safety: E-Vehicles and Lack of Lighting

In addition to infrastructure development, the safety of children's playgrounds is also a priority in Neuss. A concerning example is the playground in the area of the park entrance at Lützowstraße / Grefrather Weg. Children can directly access the playground from the park, which is not fenced. This creates hazards from E-scooters, E-bikes, and cargo bikes, which are especially problematic in the dark.

Although the administration has installed a warning sign prohibiting E-vehicles, this has proven insufficient and has already been damaged. A petition calls for the installation of lighting with motion sensors to increase safety. However, the administration rejects this due to its conflict with the general resolution on lighting green urban areas.

Additionally, structural measures such as bollards or a clear sign explicitly prohibiting motorized vehicles are being discussed. The current sign "Shared pedestrian and cycle path — no mopeds" is ineffective, as it does not account for E-vehicles.

Future Perspectives: Community Centers and Wildlife Enclosures

In the district of Allerheiligen, a plot of land next to the elementary school, currently used by a container-based kindergarten, is being examined for its future use. The CDU faction in Neuss has requested that the site be used as a community center to meet the need for meeting places for associations and initiatives. The administration will assess whether the containers can be reused for a community center once the kindergarten use is abandoned.

Another exciting development is the redesign of the wildlife enclosure in Selikum Park. This will be transferred to the responsibility of the Kinderbauernhof and will become a facility for the appropriate housing of domestic animals in the future. For example, forest goats will be moved into the enclosure to give children insight into agricultural farming. The funding will come from the Kinderbauernhof's budget.

Outlook: Playground Program and Child Participation

Child participation in the playground projects is planned for the second/third quarter of 2026, meaning that the opinions of the target group should directly influence the design. This highlights the city's efforts to provide children with an attractive play environment not only in terms of infrastructure, but also through participatory processes.

Overall, it becomes clear: This year, the city of Neuss is implementing a wide range of measures to improve the quality of life for families and children — from safety precautions through renovation projects to forward-looking usage concepts.