New playground on the Nordhelle: Families can look forward to it!

New playground on the Nordhelle: Families can look forward to it!

Sustainable projects are very popular – especially in Herscheid and Meinerzhagen! At the highest point of the Märkisches Kreis, the Nordhelle (663 meters), a Hiking and nature adventure center planned. This project promises not only impressive natural experiences, but also an exciting redesign for the region.

The planned center is intended to appeal particularly to families who are looking for experiences close to nature. The focus is on interactive knowledge transfer about nature and forests – analogue and digital. A catering facility will also be part of the concept to pamper visitors and create special community experiences. The project is supported by a second star from the REGIONALE 2025 committee in South Westphalia, which paves the way for further funding.

The playground during the redesign

An important aspect of the project is the renovation of the existing playground near the center, such as Lokaldirekt.de reported. The original plan called for the renovation of the old playground using funding. Unfortunately, this renovation cannot be funded. Instead, adjustments must now be made so that the playground can be tackled as an independent funding project.

On Monday, June 23rd, a public meeting of the main committee will take place in the town hall to decide on the next steps. The redesign of the playground should not only be designed to be playfully appealing, but should also include aspects of accessibility and natural design concepts. For example, new play equipment and design elements are planned that take up the theme of forests and nature.

Opening up the Nordhelle for everyone

Accessibility to Nordhelle is another important point. The path from Highway 707 to the Robert Kolb Tower and the WDR television tower plays a major role. It is important that this area becomes more and more attractive in connection with the new experience options. Among other things, an adventure playground, an educational trail, a forest marble run, a barefoot park and a barrier-free circular path are to be created so that everyone can enjoy nature in all its splendor.

Another goal of the project initiators is to create a better connection between Nordhelle and the existing cycle path network. As part of this, we are also working on using the hiking bus more frequently to make access easier. This project will be pushed forward in collaboration with the Sauerland Mountain Association, the Sauerland Rothaargebirge Nature Park and other important institutions.

So stay tuned to see what the coming weeks bring! The meeting is about the funding applications and the realization of the new ideas. The municipality's own contribution amounts to up to 95,400 euros, which is already planned for the 2026 budget. One more reason to follow developments around Nordhelle very closely, because a place is being created here for everyone who loves nature!