On 24 July, the moment had finally arrived: the new children's playground in Oberstdorf's Fuggerpark was officially opened. As part of the redevelopment, the playground was designed to be entirely barrier-free. Of particular note is that all playground equipment – including the upper levels of the castle itself, accessible via a barrier-free ramp rising to a height of 2.20 metres – can be used by children with and without physical disabilities. This holistic, barrier-free approach to design was also recognised by the EU's LEADER funding programme in Bavaria. Alongside the large castle playground structure, various swings, a roundabout and a sand play area with a fountain were also designed for use by all children. The focus of the design was on inclusive play, communication and cooperation, enabling children of different abilities to play together.
Beyond its varying heights and levels of difficulty, the castle features numerous built-in and attached elements offering something for every age group. One example is a 6.20-metre-long net tunnel that connects the castle towers, inviting children to climb and explore – its rope structure allows children climbing and balancing through it to always maintain eye contact with their caregivers, giving them a sense of security.
Depending on preference, children can leave the upper levels of the castle via ladders, climbing nets and ropes, sliding poles, or winding tunnel slides.
In addition to its various climbing and exercise modules, the castle structure is also equipped with a range of features for developing the senses. In the Distorting Mirror, children can watch their own bodies change shape; at the Pairs station, they can play alone or with others to match pairs of wooden tiles decorated with animal motifs – much like the popular children's Memory game. Using the funnel-shaped Conference stations, two or more children can communicate with one another even across a greater distance, which is as fascinating as it is fun.
Next to the castle is an area with swings designed for different age groups and physical needs. Swinging and rocking are deeply connected to children's everyday experience of the world – children constantly seek out opportunities to feel this kind of swaying motion. Lying in the Cradle Nest is especially enjoyable when a playmate sets it in motion from outside, and when several "chicks" sit together in the nest, the fun is even greater.
Another special feature of the newly opened inclusive playground is the sustainable use of special wood chips as surfacing. Unlike standard fresh wood chips, these are produced from dried wood. As a result, the surface is far more durable: rather than needing regular replacement, it only has to be topped up at longer intervals. Its distinctive structure comes from a special production process that allows the small wood chips to interlock. This significantly reduces displacement during play, and the material can also be used with wheelchairs and prams – a fundamental requirement here at Oberstdorf's inclusive playground.
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Beyond its varying heights and levels of difficulty, the castle features numerous built-in and attached elements offering something for every age group. One example is a 6.20-metre-long net tunnel that connects the castle towers, inviting children to climb and explore – its rope structure allows children climbing and balancing through it to always maintain eye contact with their caregivers, giving them a sense of security.
Depending on preference, children can leave the upper levels of the castle via ladders, climbing nets and ropes, sliding poles, or winding tunnel slides.
In addition to its various climbing and exercise modules, the castle structure is also equipped with a range of features for developing the senses. In the Distorting Mirror, children can watch their own bodies change shape; at the Pairs station, they can play alone or with others to match pairs of wooden tiles decorated with animal motifs – much like the popular children's Memory game. Using the funnel-shaped Conference stations, two or more children can communicate with one another even across a greater distance, which is as fascinating as it is fun.
Next to the castle is an area with swings designed for different age groups and physical needs. Swinging and rocking are deeply connected to children's everyday experience of the world – children constantly seek out opportunities to feel this kind of swaying motion. Lying in the Cradle Nest is especially enjoyable when a playmate sets it in motion from outside, and when several "chicks" sit together in the nest, the fun is even greater.
Another special feature of the newly opened inclusive playground is the sustainable use of special wood chips as surfacing. Unlike standard fresh wood chips, these are produced from dried wood. As a result, the surface is far more durable: rather than needing regular replacement, it only has to be topped up at longer intervals. Its distinctive structure comes from a special production process that allows the small wood chips to interlock. This significantly reduces displacement during play, and the material can also be used with wheelchairs and prams – a fundamental requirement here at Oberstdorf's inclusive playground.
