City of Saarbrücken advocates for expanding summer road programs throughout urban areas
News Article: Saarbrücken's Sommerstraße Event Sparks Call for Permanent Play Streets
The third edition of the Sommerstraße event in Alt-Saarbrücken has been warmly received by residents and visitors alike, with the success of this temporary closure of Alvenslebenstraße indicating a potential benefit for all districts in the city.
Organised by the Greens Saarbrücken-Mitte, the event provided numerous participation options, which were well-received. Patrick Hahl, co-chair of the Greens local branch, explained that residents were present and enjoying the summer, while Judith Rachel, his co-chair, appealed to the mayor for the future accessibility of Alvenslebenstraße as a play street.
Rachel emphasised that there is no argument against expanding the Sommerstraße concept to all districts in the future. Her appeal suggests a desire for the mayor to seriously consider this idea, with the belief that the concept can improve the quality of life for residents and visitors in all districts.
The success of the Sommerstraße event highlights several benefits of making Alvenslebenstraße a permanent play street:
- Enhanced Quality of Life and Community Engagement The temporary closure of Alvenslebenstraße to motorized traffic created a safe and inviting space for residents, especially children, to play, socialise, and interact outdoors. This fosters stronger community bonds and a sense of neighbourhood belonging.
- Improved Safety for Children and Pedestrians Play streets reduce traffic dangers, making streets safer for children to play and pedestrians to walk freely without fear of cars. Permanent closure would maintain this safer environment consistently, not just during special events.
- Environmental Benefits Reducing or eliminating car traffic limits air and noise pollution in the area, improving the local environment's health quality. This contributes to cleaner air and a quieter neighbourhood, enhancing residents' overall well-being.
- Promotion of Active Lifestyles Permanent play streets encourage physical activity by providing dedicated spaces for cycling, running, and other outdoor play. This supports public health by encouraging exercise among all age groups.
- Urban Livability and Better Use of Public Space Transforming a street into a permanent play zone changes the urban space from being car-centric to people-centric. This aligns with modern urban planning trends prioritising sustainable transport and more inclusive, multifunctional public spaces.
- Evidence of Popularity and Successful Model The success of the Summerstraße event demonstrated high participation and positive feedback from residents. This event served as a proof of concept that the street can support this role sustainably, reducing concerns about traffic management or opposition.
- Support for Local Businesses and Social Life Streets without constant car traffic often become hubs for informal gatherings, markets, and local events, potentially benefiting nearby shops and fostering local economic vitality.
Rachel reiterates that when the city creates space for people, they fill it with life, as demonstrated by the Sommerstraße event. Her emphasis on the success of the Sommerstraße concept in various districts, including Nauwieser Viertel and Alt-Saarbrücken, implies a strong support for its expansion. The Greens call for the expansion of the Sommerstraße concept to all districts, aiming to create safer, healthier, and more connected community spaces while supporting environmental goals and enhancing urban living in Saarbrücken.
- To further improve the lifestyle and community engagement in Saarbrücken, it is suggested that more districts adopt the successful Sommerstraße concept, converting home-and-garden spaces into shared, pedestrian-friendly areas.
- The expansion of play streets throughout Saarbrücken, as advocated by the Greens, can help promote a healthier home-and-garden lifestyle by encouraging physical activity and fostering stronger connections within the community.
