With combined efforts, “Flensburg keeps moving”

Systematic overall strategy for more health and exercise in public spaces

published in sb magazine 4/2024 

United under a common umbrella and over the period from 2019 until 2028, Flensburg’s re­sponsible parties are pursuing four goals at once: an integrated urban development strategy, municipal sports development planning, municipal playground planning and the health goals of the town in Germany's north. The key factor is the interdisciplinary approach of the specialist planning groups and the involvement of all stakeholders. Their shared goal is a coordinated ­array of cross-district and multifunctional play and exercise spaces.
 

In each of Flensburg’s thirteen districts, at least one intergenerationally designed activity area with easy and barrier-free accessibil­ity is to be created by 2028, by upgrading existing areas as well as by creating new ones in residential and redevelopment area projects. A total of 20 potential sites have been selected, ten of local importance and ten of significance for the town as a whole. An additional special site is devoted primarily to the subject of inclusion. In the longer term, cycle routes and district circuits are to link the areas together. Common features are also to be included, e.g. small pitches, seating opportunities, roofed areas, cycle parks, barbecue areas and, last but not least, school playgrounds.