Now things are getting colorful on Wilmersdorfer Strasse/corner of Schillerstrasse Photo: Ufuk Ucta
By Sabine Klier and Stefan Peter
There have been attacks from the opposition all week about filling a new position, but on Friday Transport Senator Manja Schreiner (45, CDU) was finally able to laugh again at an official appointment. Opening of a temporary play street in Berlin-Reinickendorf.
40 projects took part in the “Car-Free Day” in the capital. From 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. there were temporary play streets in all districts – cars and bicycles had to stay outside!
Transport Senator Manja Schreiner (CDU) Photo: Ufuk Ucta
“Our children need public space to play. They should experience their neighborhood differently than on normal days,” says Schreiner. There are several temporary play streets in Berlin that are regularly closed to cars for days or hours. However, there have been concerns about the continuation for weeks: traffic signs and barriers cost money.
In 2022, the Senate provided 100,000 euros, and for this year even 180,000 euros. But in the draft budget for 2024/25, only 50,000 euros per year were budgeted for temporary play streets. There has been harsh criticism from politicians and clubs, but so far there has only been reassurance from the Senate.
Today it’s our turn: Emma (7), Emilia (7) and Henning (6) on Kamekestrasse in Reinickendorf Photo: Ufuk Ucta
Now a breakthrough. “From funds that are not spent, a further 80,000 euros per year can be passed on to the districts for the play streets,” said a spokeswoman for the transport administration to the BZ. “This means that a total of 130,000 euros will be allocated to the design of play and neighborhood streets in 2023/24 available.”
Amelie (7) was busy painting at the zebra crossing on Wilmersdorfer Strasse and Schillerstrasse Photo: Ufuk Ucta
With paint buckets and brushes, children painted the zebra crossings on Wilmersdorfer Strasse and Schillerstrasse, which connect the pedestrian zones. The 75 meter extension of Wilmersdorfer Straße, which was only built in June, became a play street. According to the wishes of the working group, it should be extended to Bismarckstrasse.