Upgraded Merl Park Playground to Focus on Inclusion, Sustainability

On Tuesday 26 August 2025, Mayor of the City of Luxembourg, Lydie Polfer, and First Alderman, Maurice Bauer, responsible for the City’s parks, presented the final project for the new playground at Merl Park in Luxembourg-Merl. 

According to the City of Luxembourg (Ville de Luxembourg - VdL), the “Märeler Park” playground concept, designed by Schwarze und Partner Landschaftsarchitekten and carried out by SIK-Holzgestaltungs GmbH together with Sopinor Constructions, will see redevelopment work begin on Monday 15 September 2025.

The VdL said that the design of the park “focuses on inclusion, sustainability, innovation and aesthetics” and the different play zones “provide children with new opportunities for fun and education through a wide range of activities”.

On the northern side of the playground, a large water play area of 900 m² will combine platforms and ramps with interactive water and sand features – such as fountains, pumps, spirals, sieves, jets, tubes and channels – which encourage exploration and experimentation, allowing children to experience water dynamics up close and discover the behaviour of streams. Many features are designed to foster social interaction, collaboration and motor skills development. Natural flooring materials – stone, sand and shock-absorbing granules – were selected by the designers to encourage barefoot play and create a distinctive sensory experience and the barrier-free design welcomes visitors of all ages and abilities.

The VdL noted that alongside the aquatic area, a ramp accessible to people with reduced mobility leads to the main network of walkways and platforms, which extends diagonally across the playground. Two large towers dominate this structure: one symbolises hydropower, the other wind energy. Both offer climbing and adventure opportunities while also teaching children about renewable energy through interactive sensory and educational games. A wide footbridge, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, connects the towers, while tunnels and slides add variety. The VdL said that this combination of play, learning and discovery highlights the importance of renewable energy and sustainability in a playful way.

From the towers, a climbing trail leads south-east, with a maximum height of about 3.8 metres. Transparent plexiglass and netted walls give children safe panoramic views over the entire playground. Two smaller towers, complete with tubular slides, stand within this zone. Suspended trails, balancing games, nets and climbing walls challenge agility, endurance and coordination. The walkway links to multiple platforms and stepped seating areas where children of all ages can meet and play. Net tunnels offer alternative paths, spreading children more evenly across the structure and making play more dynamic. Sensory features along the walls and bridges provide additional activities, while shaded play zones beneath the walkways optimise use of space.

The southern section features a large oval structure dedicated to swings of all kinds: traditional, nest, double, baby, hammock and specially adapted inclusive models. The circular layout encourages children to play together and share experiences, while the sandy, gravelled and shock-absorbing surface ensures safety. The open oval arrangement also makes it easier for parents to supervise their children.

Moreover, the builders will use durable Robinia wood from sustainable sources. The VdL noted that its natural resistance means minimal maintenance and a long service life for the equipment and, like all other playgrounds in Luxembourg City, Merl Park will meet the highest safety standards.

LuxControl will inspect the site to ensure full compliance and will issue the “Sécher Spillplaz” (Safe Playground) quality label.

The VdL said it recognises the importance of playgrounds for children’s wellbeing and development and invests considerable care in their design. Over time, as the number of visitors increased, Merl Park’s playground had become a patchwork of add-ons, losing its original concept. For this reason, the College of Aldermen decided to create a new playground with a coherent, high-quality design that meets the needs of children of all ages through a wide variety of play options.

In 2021, during the pandemic, the City organised an online public consultation. On site, information panels and a suggestion box allowed visitors, especially children, to contribute ideas. This initiative directly involved citizens – and young people in particular – in shaping public spaces.

Work schedule

• Start of works: September 2025

• Estimated completion: Spring 2026

• Playground area: 7,500 m²

• Redevelopment cost: approx. €3,810,865 incl. VAT (decision of the College of Aldermen, 28 June 2021)