Neubrandenburg: Young people design their own playground!

Neubrandenburg: Young people design their own playground!

Something is happening for young people in Neubrandenburg! As part of the newly introduced Child and Youth Participation Act, the city now wants to include the voices of young people more strongly in decisions. Particularly exciting is the planned project for a new playground and exercise area in the “Am Steep” residential area, where ideas from young people are to be implemented directly. How NDR reported, the area for the playground is generous and covers around 2500 square meters. Here, children and young people between the ages of six and eighteen can actively participate and contribute their ideas.

The first step in this direction will take place today, July 24th, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the planned site. Michéle Arndt, the city's new youth participation coordinator, will lead the initial collection of ideas. Their goal is to integrate the perspectives of young people into local decisions and thus create real rights to have a say. Northern Courier emphasizes that the development of the city of Neubrandenburg should be enriched by a new youth advisory board. This will meet regularly and submit its own suggestions to the political committees.

Insights into the new role

Michéle Arndt has already gained experience in youth participation before she now works permanently at the town hall. Your job is to coordinate all participation processes and build networks with schools, clubs and other partners in the city. In recent years, several successful participation formats have been initiated in which young people have actively participated, such as workshops on urban development. A successful example of these efforts is the already opened playground in Küssow, which impresses with its natural and inclusive design and offers various play options.

The new law, which has been in force since April 2024, requires the municipalities in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania to take the interests of the young generation more into account. This should not only make life in the city more colorful and diverse, but also make young people feel part of the community. NDR reports that many decisions - from specialist topics such as sports to leisure activities and climate concerns - have so far been made predominantly by adults. These times should now be over and the ideas of young people will finally be heard.

The city's commitment and Michéle Arndt's new role show that they have a good knack for involving young people in the development of their city. A first step has been taken, and it will be exciting to see what ideas and suggestions the young people will bring forward.