Overview
The concept for the new playground in Merl Park, which was designed by Schwarze und Partner Landschaftsarchitekten and will be built by SIK-Holzgestaltungs GmbH and Sopinor Constructions, highlights inclusion, sustainability, innovation and visual appeal, and offers children a wide variety of fun and educational experiences.
Works schedule
Commencement of work:
- September 2025
Planned completion:
- spring 2026
An inclusive, sustainable and innovative playground
On the northern side of the playground there is a versatile, spacious water play area measuring 900 m2. Platforms and ramps make up the basic structure, while in the centre there are water and sand game components such as water sources, pumps, spirals, sieves, fountains, tubes and channels that entice children to explore and experiment. These components give children a chance to learn firsthand about the dynamics of water and to explore the characteristics of waterways.
A wide array of water games are designed to encourage social interaction and get children talking, playing and working with one another, while the different pumping mechanisms allow them to practise their motor skills. The materials used on the ground – stone, sand and shock-absorbing granulate – create a barefoot-friendly surface for a unique sensory experience. The barrier-free design of the water zone makes it a space that welcomes all visitors, regardless of age or ability.
Accessible adventures and learning about renewable energies
Outside the water area there is an entrance ramp that can be used by people with reduced mobility to access the main structure of walkways and platforms extending from the northwest to the southeast of the playground. Two high towers – one representing a hydroelectric power plant and the other a wind turbine – are central to the structure and shape the image of the park and the playground. In addition to giving children lots of places to climb and have adventures, these towers contain sensory and educational games on the inside that focus on hydroelectric and wind power. The towers are linked by the accessible walkway, which runs across the entire structure, as well as having individual access points.
In addition, rope tunnels connect the upper floors of the two towers, and there is also a slide. This part of the playground offers an engaging combination, bringing together games, learning and discovery while teaching children in a fun way about the importance of renewable energies and sustainability.
Climbing route and balance games
A climbing route, spanned by the accessible walkway, extends from the two main towers towards the southeast side of the playground. The walkway, which has a maximum height of around 3.80 metres, has barriers on the sides with openings secured by netting or plexiglass to give both children and adults a view of the entire playground. Two smaller towers with tube slides feature in this area, which also includes suspended walkways and balance games, nets and climbing walls.
This variety of games helps to develop children’s agility, stamina and coordination. The walkway leads to different platforms and tiers where children of all ages can play and gather. Rope tunnels connect different parts of the walkway, creating alternative paths that help improve traffic flow while making children's experience more varied and dynamic. Children can therefore choose between different routes, stimulating their creativity and helping to avoid congested areas. Sensory components placed on the walls of the towers and along the walkway provide additional games and entertainment. Where the structure is high enough, games are placed under the walkway to maximise use of the space and to provide additional and shaded play areas.
Inclusive and welcoming swing area for everyone
The southern part of the playground features a large oval-shaped structure containing swings arranged around a central green space. This structure includes a wide variety of swings such as:
- traditional swings,
- nest swings,
- two-person swings,
- baby swings,
- hammocks,
- and inclusive swings designed specially for people with special needs.
The oval shape creates a unique play experience in which children and adults can watch one another, fostering a sense of community and shared fun. The ground is covered in sand, gravel and shock-absorbing granulates to keep children safe. The oval arrangement of the structure also allows parents to keep an eye on their children at all times.
Materials
In keeping with the desire to be eco-friendly, the structures are made of black locust wood sourced from sustainably grown trees. This wood is especially suitable for playgrounds given its well-known natural resistance. It requires little upkeep and provides structures with increased durability. Like all the other playgrounds in Luxembourg City, the Merl Park playground will adhere to all current safety standards. It will also be inspected by LuxControl s.a., which assesses the safety and proper functioning of playgrounds and issues the "Sécher Spillplaz" label as a quality guarantee.
