Why “Flipper” is moving to Linz’s Volksgarten

It’s a happy day for Gundula Schachtner. The woman from Linz took a leading role in promoting an inclusive playground in the Volksgarten – with success. The concept was presented today. Construction begins in April and the fun can begin after three weeks. What’s special: Play equipment and open spaces are designed so that they can be played by all children, including those who have special needs due to physical or psychological limitations. “I have an impaired child and a healthy child, the other often had to watch, but siblings also want to play with each other,” says Schachtner in an OÖN interview.

200,000 euros for equipment and design

The city is investing 200,000 euros in the new playground, and it is being implemented by the Linz-based company Eibe, which won the best bidder process. “We know from experience that where inclusive playgrounds already exist, they are well received,” says Eibe managing director Wolfgang Hauhart. In the past, the company has already designed the solarCity exercise park at Weikerlsee.

More on the subject: The city of Linz makes its own playground equipment

Pinball, the all-rounder

The playground in the Volksgarten will consist of three larger areas. The “Flipper” game sculpture, an all-rounder, is in the center and is completely barrier-free via a colored fall protection floor. Sand and water create associations with the Danube. Children can discover the inner and outer play elements close to the ground as well as the entire dolphin body on a climbing tour. Another centerpiece is the creative island with a barrier-free ramp, climbing trunk, slide and sand play elements connected by a footbridge, and play boards for sensory perception. In the driftwood or pole forest, risk-taking skills and motor skills are promoted.

The fun court and water playground remain

The fun court and the barrier-free water playground, which were newly built in 2013, are now accessible over the entire surface thanks to a special floor covering and will remain in their current form. “Barrier-free access also enables all parents and playground attendants to observe and support the children’s play processes,” says Daniel Hagendorf, director of the city’s child and youth services.

Participatory process

Before the concept was created, there was a local inspection with experts and associations who were able to contribute their ideas. Included were, among others, Caritas, Diakonie, Miteinander and the associations “Marathon” and “Uarespecial”, on whose board Schachtner was at the time. “I would like to thank the numerous clubs and everyone involved for their support and advice in developing the new inclusive playground concept,” says Vice Mayor Karin Hörzing (SP). Schachtner’s commitment to the playground began earlier.

Citizens’ proposal brings inclusion into play

The inclusive playground goes back to a “citizens’ proposal” in March 2022, which the Linzplus parliamentary group submitted to the local council on behalf of Schachtner. There it was an opportunity to focus on inclusion in the already planned redesign of the playground. Two years later, Schachtner’s vision is now becoming reality. “It’s been a long road and I’m really happy that it’s being implemented,” she says. It’s about all children being able to play together. They find the design presented today very ambitious, the only thing missing is a therapy swing and a structural barrier towards the street, which is particularly important for autistic children.

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