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Construction work on the Forststraße playground in Zeisigwald is set to begin this week. The site is to undergo a complete refurbishment, and the play equipment will also be replaced. The aim is to create a playground that blends into the surroundings of the Zeisigwald, reflects the geology of the site and offers a wide range of inclusive play and activity options for children and families. The work is expected to last until the end of the year.
Due to its age and popularity, the playground is showing significant wear and tear and requires refurbishment. Only the youth area around the pavilion will remain largely unaffected by the building works and can therefore still be used during the construction phase. A new ball-cage fence for the streetball court is planned for this area.
The refurbishment work is divided into two areas of responsibility. On the one hand, there is the landscaping work, which is being carried out by Techno-Farm und Service GmbH; on the other hand, there is the play equipment, which is being designed, assembled and installed by Zimmer.Obst GmbH. Construction supervision is the responsibility of MAY Landschaftsarchitekten PartG mbB.
As the playground is already in good working order, its basic structure will be retained as far as possible, with only certain sections being refurbished or supplemented. For example, all safety surfacing materials will be replaced, as will the partially eroded water-bound path surfaces and dilapidated edging.
In addition, two new seating areas with table-and-bench combinations will be created, designed to encourage picnics and relaxation. Bicycle racks will also be installed in a central location.
The badly worn-out football pitch will be refurbished so that children can soon play on a soft grass surface again. Two new goals will then complete the ball games area.
A design competition was organised for the play equipment, with the theme being the ‘Permian’ period in general and the ‘volcanic eruption in the Zeisigwald’ in particular. The winner was Zimmer.Obst GmbH, a company based in Chemnitz which has not only designed and fitted the existing play equipment at the Forststraße/Zeisigwald playground, but also, for example, the play equipment at Rosenplatz, Schloßteichinsel and Scharnhorstplatz.
The large main play area will once again feature a climbable volcano and be supplemented by various balancing, climbing and seesaw structures. For the younger children, the sand play area will be slightly enlarged and, in addition to sand play elements, will also feature a small climbing-and-sliding combination. The existing swing area will be slightly enlarged and fitted with new swings. This means that, in addition to the classic swing, there will also be a nest swing, a belly swing and a parent-child swing. A new balancing area will be built between the sandpit and the volcano to act as a connecting element, and the ever-popular jeep will be given a fresh new look.
The existing play areas will be complemented by a zip line running along the edge of the woodland on the existing hills, which will enhance the spacious grounds. For older children and adults, new horizontal bars at various heights, a hanging course and parallel bars will be provided for exercise.
The construction costs amount to approximately 605,000 euros, of which 235,000 euros is for landscaping and 370,000 euros for the play equipment.
