Fun and games at the knight’s castle

Once upon a time … there was a rather ageing playground on Oppelner Straße. But from now on, new stories can be told here. Castles, dragons and unique swings await little knights and ladies at the Rote Erde. The Oppelner Straße playground has been completely redesigned and is now open for children from the neighbourhood to play in. It resembles a fairytale knight’s castle.

Local residents had contributed their ideas during the consultation process, and the result of this teamwork is something to be proud of – or rather, something to play on: a whole world of stories and imaginative play opportunities now awaits toddlers, nursery children and children aged 6 and over. There’s a rocking dragon, a dragon slide, an accessible trampoline and a small knight’s castle with inclusive features for the very youngest. For children aged 4 and over, there’s a horizontal bar combination, a stilt-walking course, a rocking carriage with horses and a knight’s castle play combination. And for children aged 6 and over, there’s a truly unique attraction that’s never been seen before in Beckum: a large ‘cannonball’ on which the brave can stand and swing back and forth whilst spinning.

Olaf Schulte, Head of the Youth and Social Affairs Department, thanked everyone involved at the opening and emphasised: “We’ve gathered some brilliant ideas. The inclusive elements are particularly lovely. This community project is truly something to be proud of.” And, turning to the children, he said: “The playground is yours again – I hope you have lots of fun!”