Play zone in Mariahilf: create freedom for children and young people!

Play zone in Mariahilf: create freedom for children and young people!

Children and young people are the future of our city, and Vienna takes this responsibility seriously. From July 1st to August 31st, the pedestrian zone between Hofmühlgasse and Esterhazygasse will be converted into a play zone every Wednesday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The focus is not just on playing - a colorful program from JUVIVO invites children to spend their free time actively and to deal with topics such as encounters and friendship. This project is supported by the city of Vienna and the district in order to send a strong signal about the need for open spaces for young people, emphasizes wien.gv.at.

At a time when space to play is often rare in densely built-up inner-city areas, this initiative offers a welcome break for children. Here they can move, play, make new friends and develop in a safe, car-free environment. Adults are also invited to join in and contribute. Warm cooperation not only promotes the children's creativity, but also sensitizes all participants to mutual consideration and correct behavior in the street space.

Importance of open spaces

Open spaces are not just a place to play, they are also essential for children to grow up healthily. Studies show that good open space planning contributes to the quality of life of all generations. Important open spaces include not only playgrounds, but also streets, vacant lots, meadows and backyards. These areas must be designed to be attractive and networked in order to really meet the needs of children and young people. Research results show that sustainable justice for children and young people is a key criterion for the future viability of cities, as bbsr.bund.de describes.

An essential aspect of open space planning is the active participation of children and young people. When they are included in planning processes, everyone benefits. Only through their perspective can an authentic picture of their needs be created. It is important to anchor their interests in urban planning and gain a foothold. New instruments such as game planning could make a valuable contribution. This planning takes place in three main stages, which range from the inventory survey to the assessment of potential to the development of concrete measures, as kinderfreunde-kommunen.de explains.

The importance of game plans

The first step in successful planning is the inventory survey, in which children show their individual play locations. Essential plans are then derived from this information in order to take various needs into account. The creation and improvement of play, adventure and lounge spaces are of central importance. After its adoption by the local council, the game plan can then have a binding effect on politics and administration.

Overall, the focus is on urban development that is suitable for children and young people, which not only takes into account open space aspects, but also focuses on cross-generational encounters. Temporary use of areas to increase the quality of life and the promotion of trend sports in public spaces are further central considerations in open space planning.

With its initiative, Vienna shows how important it is to create open spaces and actively use them. When children can experience their surroundings as a place to play and live, they contribute to a positive cityscape and quality of life for all generations. Let us work together to ensure the future of our children!