Rainbowland Diepholz

Initial situation:
The existing playground Moorstraße/Mölderstraße is located in the Willenberg/Lüderstrasse area in terms of urban space. This area was included in the program "Districts with Special Development Needs - the Social City" in 2009. Both in terms
of integration into the path system and in terms of the equipment of the open space, qualitative and quantitative deficiencies are shown for the existing play area:
- there is a lack of connections within and from the area to Müntepark
- the playground inside the block is insufficiently integrated into the path system
- the equipment of the playgrounds is qualitatively insufficient (play equipment, benches)
- there is a lack of social control and also sufficient access / egress.

Objective / structural concept:
A generous open space is to be created that can accommodate different functions. This creates spaces that can create further options for use and thus meet the needs of the different user groups in the neighbourhood. The existing playground will be redeveloped and extended with the new public spaces to create a playground and neighbourhood square. By new path connections a better cross-linking with the residential environment takes place.
Through land purchases at Willenberg, the existing open space can be almost doubled. In addition, there is the possibility of creating a green connection to Müntepark.

Design:
As a kind of promenade, a central footpath and cycle path runs through the new
playground and neighbourhood square. This captures the open space at the edge, allowing
the creation of a generous open space in the center. A new path connection between Mölderstrasse and Willenberg is
created, creating a direct link to Müntepark. Two additional access points link the neighbourhood with the new open space. Overall, better accessibility and permeability of the urban space could be created.

Attached to the path are smaller bench seats that invite people to sit and observe. Conifers as well as undergrowth were cleared and formative trees were exposed. This created an open, light-flooded area with park character.
The green area itself is divided into three sub-areas, each of which has different functions. There is an area that serves as a natural area and the initiative, one for playing and an area for recreational sports and young people.
The redesign of the playground created opportunities for both toddlers (under 3 years old) and children between the ages of 6-12. A new sand play area was created, integrating some existing play equipment (swings, slide, turntable). A new twisted climbing net creates play incentives for the older children. A special meeting place with different possibilities of movement was also created for young people. The existing streetball facility was upgraded with a new basket and linings. In addition, a small parkour spot was built on the initiative of a local parkour group. This was designed together with the young people and takes into account many inputs and wishes of the parkourers.
The newly won open space is used for individual appropriation, such as a lawn for sunbathing, picnicking or playing football. In addition, more natural areas were created in the peripheral areas, in which, among other things, existing fruit trees were integrated.
The result is an open and bright playground and neighbourhood square with park character, diverse visual relationships, seating options and various usage options for the residents of the neighbourhood. A kindergarten group christened the playground and neighbourhood square "Rainbow Land".

Planting concept:
Along the way from the entrance at Willenberg, tall trees were planted to create an alley-like character. The bench places receive a framing from in each case two oaks. Various individual trees are placed as solitaires in the lawn areas. Additional woody plantings separate the private gardens from the public areas. Additionally, shaped hedges of hornbeam were planted at the enclosures.