Inclusive exercise park opens in Alsfeld: A place for all generations!

Inclusive exercise park opens in Alsfeld: A place for all generations!

The time has come in Alsfeld: the long-awaited inclusive exercise park on the edge of Goethe Park has opened its doors. On June 13, 2025, many interested citizens gathered for the official opening, led by Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff, the sports representative of the state of Hesse, and district administrator Dr. Jens Mischak and Mayor Stephan Paule. “A place of movement and meeting for all generations and abilities” – this is how the goal of this newly designed park could be summarized in simple words. The park not only stands for sport, but also for social participation, which is the focus of the project lifePR reports.

The inclusive exercise park is the second of its kind in the Vogelsberg district and was realized with the active support of the local community. These include the Vogelsberg sports district, the Harald and Katharina von Manteuffel Foundation as well as the VR-Bank Hessenland and the Sparkasse Oberhessen. With a total cost of around 24,500 euros, plus 35,000 euros from the city of Alsfeld, it shows how important local networking is in getting such important projects off the ground.

Opportunities for everyone

With eight different pieces of sports equipment, as well as comfortable seating and lounge options, the park offers a wide range of activities that are accessible to both young and older people. Dr. Mischak declared the park officially open and emphasized how important it is that all people, regardless of their abilities, should have the opportunity to exercise and experience community. This is in connection with the Special Olympics World Games “Host Town” program, which places particular focus on the inclusion of people with disabilities.

Especially in this context, it is crucial to point out the latest developments in the area of ​​inclusion in sport. On the occasion of the International Day of People with Disabilities, the focus was on the motto “#TogetherInclusive”. Here an urgent appeal was made to society to offer people with disabilities better access and choice in sport and in everyday life Special Olympics Germany highlights.

A step in the right direction

With the moving background that before the pandemic, 55% of people with disabilities in Germany did not do any sport, the Vogelsbergkreis feels like a pioneer in terms of inclusion with its initiative. The pandemic has exacerbated this situation and there is an urgent need for action in this regard. Currently, sports offerings for this target group are often limited, and only 7% of sports clubs offer special programs for people with disabilities. This makes it all the more important to expand education and training offerings for trainers and create barrier-free sports facilities in order to sustainably promote and make inclusion visible, as is also mentioned in a report on support for the disabled and sport BGW.

The opening of the inclusive exercise park in Alsfeld not only sets an example, but also gives hope to many people that sport and participation are possible for everyone. Let us work together to ensure that this park becomes a place of inspiration and exchange where everyone can develop their potential.