Raiffeisenring's Youth Square welcomed favorably by the public
In the heart of Neuwied, Germany, the "Auf Sternsholl" youth plaza has emerged as an essential community space for local young people. Opened at the end of 2022, following a year of careful planning, this vibrant hub offers a range of activities and programs designed to engage, inspire, and support the city's youth.
The plaza, situated in the Raiffeisenring neighbourhood, addresses a long-standing issue of a lack of suitable places for youth gatherings, as highlighted in 2021. Not all young people in the neighbourhood were initially aware of the plaza's existence according to Hannah Lehmann, a social worker and experiential educator from the city's Children and Youth Office.
The city administration of Neuwied has been proactive in addressing the concerns of the youth in the Raiffeisenring neighbourhood and elsewhere in Neuwied. The city's continued support of youth initiatives is driven by its aspiration to be the first "child-friendly municipality" in Rhineland-Palatinate.
Youth plazas like "Auf Sternsholl" are typically intended as safe, inclusive, and accessible environments where young people can socialize, participate in recreational activities, receive educational support, and engage with community projects. They usually offer facilities such as sports areas, creative workshops, and meeting rooms, which encourage active participation from youth aged roughly 12–25.
The "Auf Sternsholl" youth plaza, in particular, offers recreational activities such as table tennis, a soccer field, comfortable seating areas, and fitness equipment like a calisthenics setup. It has become a popular hangout spot for many young people in the neighbourhood.
Youth Councilor Peter Jung and Youth Welfare Office Director Bernhard Fuchs are pleased with the usage of the "Auf Sternsholl" youth plaza. Mayor Jung considers the plaza a symbol of what young people can achieve in Neuwied. Hannah Lehmann notes that the plaza's cleanliness contributes to an inviting atmosphere.
To ensure that as many young people as possible can discover and utilize the offerings at the "Auf Sternsholl" youth plaza, the city will continue to promote it. The city administration's efforts to create a child-friendly municipality are evident in its support of initiatives like the "Auf Sternsholl" youth plaza, which stands as a testament to Neuwied's commitment to its youth.
The "Auf Sternsholl" youth plaza, with its outdoor-living amenities such as the soccer field and calisthenics setup, provides an other lifestyle option for young people in the neighborhood, fostering a sense of community. Furthermore, the plaza's home-and-garden appeal, with comfortable seating areas, demonstrates the city's commitment to creating child-friendly spaces that cater to the diverse needs and interests of its youth.
