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Cologne Defers Playground Renaming Until September Vote

Following public criticism, Mayor Henriette Reker sent the proposal to replace 700 'Spielplatz' signs with inclusive 'Spiel- und Aktionsfläche' designs to the city council for a decision on September 4.

Spielplätze werden umbenannt
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Overview

  • City administration plans to phase out the term 'Spielplatz' from autumn 2025 by swapping 700 signs for the broader 'Spiel- und Aktionsfläche' label
  • Children, youths and families helped design new abstract graphics that showcase motion and avoid identifiable attributes
  • The informational signs retain the word 'Spielen' to preserve noise exemptions under the Federal Emissions Control Act and carry no planning or legal weight
  • After widespread pushback, Mayor Reker argued that 'Spielplatz' remains clear and referred further action to the council’s authority
  • Critics including opposition leader Jochen Ott say attention should focus on repairing and modernizing play equipment rather than changing sign labels