Space for movement: Schoolyard of the Upland School in Willingen redesigned
The remodelling began in 2023 and now the "new" schoolyard at Willingen Upland School has been handed over for its intended purpose. As part of a small ceremony, District Administrator Jürgen van der Horst, Headmistress Barbara Pavlu, Primary School Principal Jörg Fuchs, representatives of the companies carrying out the work, representatives of the Building Management and Schools and Education departments and, of course, the school community inaugurated the remodelled area with the popular cutting of the ribbon. A total of 803,600 euros was invested in the construction project, the lion's share of 685,000 euros in the actual remodelling and the remaining 118,600 euros in sewer renovation.
On behalf of the school community, headmistress Barbara Pavlu thanked the client, the district, the building management department in charge and the contractors for the long-awaited and extremely successful redesign of the school playground. "We are delighted to have a newly designed school playground in the centre of Upland School, which offers all children and young people at the school more opportunities for exercise, play and fun."
To ensure that the schoolyard remains as good as new for a long time and that everyone can enjoy it in the long term, the school management has drawn up a number of rules regarding the use of the paved areas, clean access to the building and tidiness on the school buses. Primary school headmaster Jörg Fuchs, who accompanied the construction phase from the school side, adds: "We hope that by adhering to the rules, the school will become a 'clean' school and thus an even more pleasant, beautiful place for everyone than before."
"The primary school moved into its new building on the grounds of the Upland School some time ago and has now also been given a suitable modern exercise and recreation area," reported District Administrator van der Horst on the construction work. The drainage situation was also optimised during the redesign. Due to the slate soil, water was unable to seep away. It stood in large puddles on the surface and flowed down the paths in regular streams, which led to considerable soiling on buildings and in the buses, especially in the wet season.
Everyone involved can be extremely satisfied with the result of the redesign, emphasised van der Horst. Only as many areas were sealed as were absolutely necessary. "Nevertheless, we have created an inviting school playground that can also be played on in wet weather." For example, natural stone blocks in front of the older primary school building invite children to linger or chill out in a double hammock.
The most important new feature for the primary school children is certainly the rope and climbing landscape as the centrepiece of the schoolyard. Climate protection was also taken into consideration by greening the areas that remained free. The inviting new outdoor facilities make the Upland School even more of a school that its users enjoy visiting for teaching and learning, concluded the district administrator.