Construction on Schedule / Opening Expected in May
Hanau's Schlossgarten Playground Gets a Fairy-Tale Makeover for €462K
Work has begun on the redesign of the playground in Hanau's Schlossgarten, located in the heart of the city center. Councilor Isabelle Hemsley and Hauke Wessels, head of the Green Spaces Department at Hanau Infrastruktur Service (HIS), the city's municipal utility, recently visited the site to assess progress—and the verdict is positive: the project is well on track.
Preliminary work was completed slightly ahead of the original schedule. In about two weeks, the new play equipment is set to be delivered and installed. "We are making excellent progress on this important project for families and children," said Councilor Isabelle Hemsley. "I'm particularly pleased that we are staying on schedule, and children will soon be able to enjoy a completely redesigned playground."
In the future, young visitors can look forward to a creatively designed play area inspired by the historic Schlossgarten. Features will include a fairy-tale castle with diverse climbing and play opportunities, a castle kitchen, and other equipment that enhances the whimsical atmosphere. "The new playground uniquely combines movement, creativity, and the special history of this place," Hemsley noted. The updated facilities are primarily aimed at children aged six to twelve.
The opening is planned for late April or early May, barring any potential delays in equipment delivery. Children who actively contributed their ideas during the participatory planning process will be especially invited to attend. Representatives from Pestalozzischule, Brüder-Grimm-Schule, Tümpelgartenschule, and Gebeschusschule had previously shared their input, which helped shape the final design.
As part of the construction, the play surfaces will be equipped with wood chips and sand. The project is based on plans by landscape architect Harald Kirschenlohr, with construction carried out by the Nidderau-based firm Dillmann. The total cost of the project amounts to approximately €462,000.
The playground is situated within the historic Schlossgarten, which was established in 1766 by Landgravine Maria of Hesse-Kassel as one of the first English landscape gardens on the European mainland. Today, this centrally located green space serves as a vital recreational and leisure destination for families, children's groups, and visitors of all ages. Since 2001, the playground—originally featuring wooden equipment—has been part of this setting. However, due to vandalism and age-related wear, some of the structures had to be removed. The redesign now enhances the Schlossgarten's offerings, ensuring a modern and sustainable space for future generations.
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