The Vienna City Gardens are redesigning the 3,080 m2 Scheupark in Vienna Margareten and transforming it into a play paradise for everyone. The existing playground will not only be supplemented with play equipment for the little ones, such as a climbing and crawling combination. Thanks to an inclusive design, children of all abilities will be able to play together in the future. Completion is scheduled for the end of October 2024. In addition to new play opportunities, the park’s planting is also being refreshed: resilient shrubs such as dogwood, St. John’s wort and elf flowers fill the gaps in the existing greenery and complement the lush trees. In addition, parts of the park will be equipped with an automatic irrigation system.
„Parks in the immediate area significantly increase the quality of life of people in Vienna. But parks are not just places for relaxation, they also connect people. That’s why it’s important, especially when it comes to playgrounds in our green oases, not to exclude anyone. With the inclusive redesign of Scheupark, we are creating a space in which all children – regardless of their abilities – can experience the joy of play together“, says Climate City Councilor Jürgen Czernohorszky.
“With the redesign of Scheupark, we are sending a strong signal for inclusion and diversity in public spaces. It is a personal concern of mine that our parks are meeting places for all generations and people with different needs. “The Scheupark will become a showcase project that shows how livable and accessible urban design can be,” said district leader Silvia Jankovic.
Play together thanks to inclusive planning
When redesigning Scheupark, the needs of all users are taken into account. In addition to the barrier-free design of the path network, the existing play area will be upgraded with inclusive play options. The existing sandpit will not only be supplemented by a sand elevator and a pouring pipe, but will also be accessible to wheelchair users in the future. In addition, a wide slope slide will be built. A simplified entry and an extended exit make it easier to use for children and adults with limited motor skills as well as people with other disabilities.
A special highlight of the inclusive design is the so-called combination playground equipment, which combines different functions and enables children with and without disabilities to play together. The device has, among other things, haptic play elements that can also be easily operated from a wheelchair. In addition, a barrier-free ramp offers children with different mobility limitations the opportunity to reach the first level of the play tower. While they were previously often limited to the ground area of playgrounds, this play equipment now gives them the chance to actively participate in shared adventures.
A horizontal bar, a climbing rope on the slope of the park and balancing poles will in future invite children to train their motor skills in the Scheupark. The theme of animals also runs through the redesign of the park: two rocking animals in the shape of wild boars are available for exuberant play. Children can also discover the tracks and outlines of animals that live in the city along the paths. There are 2 call columns along the path that enable children to talk to each other despite the distance – similar to a can telephone.
Grätzel discussion in advance of the park redesign
As part of the planning process, a meeting took place with area management, where future park visitors were able to voice their concerns. These were then incorporated into the design. Among other things, the wishes for different balancing options and more seating were met: two new wooden decks, tubular steel benches and seating groups will invite you to linger in the future. A table each with a don’t-get-annoyed table and a chess field complete the offering and create additional activity opportunities for children and those accompanying them.
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