Playground in Cologne receives criticism due to name change, sparking laughter from Guido Cantz.
In the heart of Germany, the city of Cologne is considering a significant change to its playgrounds. The city council is contemplating renaming playgrounds as "play and action areas" in an effort to broaden the concept of these spaces and encourage a wider variety of activities.
The proposal, which has been under debate since Wednesday, was initially initiated two years ago by the city's youth welfare committee. They concluded that the outdated signage suggested that playgrounds were not intended for young people, leading to potential conflicts.
However, the idea has not been universally welcomed. The city's mayor, Henriette Reker, has distanced herself from the plan, stating that she finds the term "playground" clear and understandable. In contrast, the city administration believes the change is necessary to reflect a more inclusive concept.
This decision has prompted a mix of surprise, anger, and occasional understanding among people in Cologne. The presenter and comedian Guido Cantz, known for his wit and humour, criticized the proposal, likening it to Cologne being the capital of the crazy and filling the summer void.
The debate has also caught the attention of local celebrities, with Guido Cantz mentioning that he could not have thought of the decision for his new comedy program. The public reaction appears mixed, with some expressing concerns about the necessity and implications of changing such a familiar and established term.
Cologne boasts over 700 playgrounds, and the new signs aim to consider the diversity of users in terms of age, cultural backgrounds, and possible disabilities. The city council committee is scheduled to discuss and decide on this matter on September 4.
As the city awaits the council's decision, the proposed renaming of playgrounds to "play and action areas" continues to spark discussion and debate, reflecting the city's ongoing commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
Other local celebrities, such as Guido Cantz, are using social-media platforms to voice their opinions about the playground renaming debate, often expressing entertainment and humor in their posts. Some citizens have suggested that this proposal could lead to a more diverse and inclusive form of entertainment within the city's playgrounds.
