Halle's Südpromenade playground to get €460K mythical makeover by 2027

Halle's Südpromenade Playground Set for a Magical Transformation

The Südpromenade playground near Ingolstädter Straße in Halle (Saale) is poised for a dramatic makeover. Where crumbling exposed-aggregate concrete walls and worn-out equipment now dominate the scene, a modern, vibrant play landscape is set to emerge by late summer 2027.Pending city council approval, the municipality will invest around €460,000 to create a space where children can explore and play—all centered around a mythical creature.

Visitors to the current Südpromenade playground are met with a stark contrast. While the striking boulder landscape remains in excellent condition, the rest of the facilities show clear signs of wear. The exposed-aggregate walls are cracked, with damaged joints and edges, and the play equipment is visibly aging. Some elements, like a former dragon climbing sculpture, have already been dismantled due to their poor condition.

The Dragon's Return

The centerpiece of the redesign is a long-awaited comeback: the dragon theme, revived at the explicit request of children involved in the planning process. A majestic, three-part dragon will soon take center stage as the playground's defining feature. Designed to catch the eye from afar, it will invite both active climbing and relaxed seating. Construction is slated to begin in early 2027, with completion expected by August of that year. The goal is a clear reorganization of the area, minimizing sealed surfaces like pathways to give nature more space.

Two Worlds for Young and Older Adventurers

The new concept introduces a spatial division to cater to different age groups. To the north of a central connecting path, a protected area will be created for children aged zero to six. Outfitted with impact-absorbing sand, it will feature a nest swing, a seesaw, and a sand digger. A special highlight: an archaeological "dig pit" near the excavator, hidden beneath a dragon illustration that young explorers must uncover themselves.

The southern section, meanwhile, is reserved for children aged six to twelve and incorporates the existing boulder landscape. With a dilapidated concrete wall set for demolition, the roughly one-meter height difference will be balanced by a stepped extension of the boulder area using natural basalt stones. Near the new dragon sculpture, a versatile climbing structure made from naturally grown black locust wood will take shape. A two-meter-tall play tower, balance ropes, and a climbing pole with a lookout point will give children endless opportunities to weave their own stories into this dragon-themed world.

Accessibility and Climate Protection at the Forefront

Preserving the site's valuable trees is a key priority. The tree protection commission has already confirmed that all existing trees will be retained. A dominant chestnut tree, currently surrounded by sealed pavement up to its trunk, will benefit from planned de-paving, improving its long-term growing conditions. Three new climate-resilient trees will also be planted to enhance the playground's ecological value. Where tree roots have raised the ground, special root bridges will be installed to avoid harming the plants.

The redesign also considers the needs of supervising adults. Scattered around the play areas, six new benches and additional natural stone seating cubes will offer places to rest. All areas will be fully accessible, with surface water from paved paths diverted directly into green spaces or sand pits. By its completion in August 2027, the Südpromenade will gain a modern meeting place that blends ecological responsibility with imaginative play.