Rostock is planning a new WarnowQuartier: Children are shaping their future!

Rostock is planning a new WarnowQuartier: Children are shaping their future!

On the eastern bank of the Lower Warnow, the WarnowQuartier is being built in Rostock, a new, modern and green district. The project is committed to creating an appealing living space for all ages. The participation of the population plays a central role, as the city administration also emphasizes. Rostock town hall reports that children and young people were invited to participate online to contribute their opinions and ideas about the design of the new district.

The response was overwhelming: a total of 614 children up to 12 years old and 386 young people took part in the survey between February 20 and March 23, 2025. This participation measure was enabled through QR codes and paper sheets to ensure wide access. Children's wishes revolve primarily around playground activities such as climbing, swings and slides, while they also demand sufficient seating and shady areas.

A place for young and old

Young people's wishes, on the other hand, focus on society and sport. Planned meeting points should invite people to chill out, play ball games or simply get together. Table tennis and basketball courts as well as barbecue areas were suggested for this purpose. Dr. Ute Fischer-Gäde, Senator for Urban Planning, Construction, Climate Protection and Mobility, is pleased with the great interest and lively participation. She emphasizes that the results of the survey will be handed over to a planning office to create initial drafts.

Another highlight for the participation is the announced second round of participation. This will enable children and young people to vote from the best results. The city is relying on a participatory approach to create a livable place for everyone.

Responsibility and transparency in planning

Citizen participation in Rostock is accompanied by the Coordination Office for Citizen Participation, which is supported by an advisory board. This is underlined Citizen participation Rostock the importance of a transparent and active decision-making process that includes all residents. Mayor Eva-Maria Kröger emphasized that the goal is to actively involve Rostock residents in shaping their living environment.

It is particularly important that the opinions of less educated groups are also heard in order to reduce social inequalities. The challenges lie in the early involvement of citizens in planning in order to avoid delays. Because like that Portal for participatory urban development highlights, inclusive citizen participation is crucial to promote acceptance and understanding of political decisions.

The development of the WarnowQuartier not only creates a new district, but also lays the valuable foundation for a lively community. The city administration and citizens work hand in hand to create a place that accommodates all needs.