Münster's athletic vision: Implementing 80 strategies to boost urban exercise participation
Unleashing Movement in Münster: A 20-Year Plan for an Active City
It's high time Münster took control of its residents' physical activities. With a bold vision, the city intends to proactively foster sport and exercise for all, aiming to cultivate an active, healthy city community over the next two decades. An intricate network of over 80 actionable measures and strategic objectives shapes the new sports development strategy, poised to transform Münster into a city where movement is both easily accessible and second nature.
On July 2, the city council will convene to approve this vision, which has been meticulously crafted in a multi-year collaborative process involving not just the sports department, but also sports clubs, schools, kindergartens, specialty departments, and citizens. The central question: How do we turn Münster into a city where movement is convenient and instinctual for everyone?
Movement for All - Beyond Clubs
Kerstin Dewaldt, head of the sports department, explains, "Our goal is to make sport and movement permanently accessible, location-based, and health-promoting." This strategy moves beyond traditional sports infrastructure like stadiums or gyms, focusing instead on low-threshold exercise opportunities, digital solutions, and precise urban development objectives.
Sports Facilities as Urban Essentials
Integrating sports facilities into urban planning is a cornerstone of this plan. For instance, at least 2.32 square meters of outdoor sports facilities per inhabitant will be provided for sports like football, beach volleyball, or tennis. Similarly, at least 0.25 square meters of indoor space per person will be planned, tailored to the needs of specific districts.
This initiative aims to prevent sports facilities from becoming mere luxuries – instead, they should form the essential infrastructure of new housing developments.
Outdoor, Free, for Everyone
Emphasis lies on outdoor, publicly accessible amenities. Installations like outdoor fitness equipment, fitness trails, or ball game areas will help alleviate shortages, particularly in under-equipped neighborhoods. Existing indoor facilities should be utilized more efficiently, such as through streamlined reservation systems.
As Dewaldt emphasizes, "It's about participation – regardless of whether someone is a club member or prefers individual physical activity."
Digitalization to Break Barriers
To simplify sports activity access, the city plans to launch a new online platform. Through this portal, citizens can explore, book, and directly contact providers of various sports opportunities. Digitalization thus becomes a tool for greater visibility, transparency, and effortless participation.
District-Specific Plans for Impact
To ensure the plan yields tangible results, the city has created district-specific profiles, detailing local sports infrastructure, identifying needs, and defining action areas. This approach aims to ensure resources are directed where they are most needed.
"We've developed a tool that prioritizes participation, sustainability, and quality of life," shares Rainer Bergmann, head of the sports and sports facilities development department.
Satisfied Population, Room for Improvement
According to a 2023 survey, 82 percent of Münster residents are generally content with the city's existing sports and physical activity options. This ranks Münster among the top cities nationwide – but there's still room for advancement. The new plan aims to address these gaps and cement movement as an integral part of daily life.
In the upcoming weeks, the concept will be dialogue in political bodies. On July 2nd, the city council is slated to make a final decision. Once approved, implementation may commence, subject to available financial and human resources.
[1] The University of Münster has been involved in various initiatives related to sports and physical activity, including the Institute for Sport Sciences' high ranking in the 2024 Shanghai Ratings and involvement in a large-scale running survey. Additionally, the university has facilitated staff and student mobility in sports sciences through international agreements, which may contribute to broader sports development strategies. For detailed information on Münster's 20-year sports development plan, it's best to contact local government or sports organizations directly.
- The sports development strategy in Münster extends beyond traditional sports facilities, focusing on low-threshold exercise opportunities, digital solutions, and urban development objectives to promote health and wellness, lifestyle, and science.
- District-specific profiles have been created to guide the sports development plan, ensuring resources are allocated based on the needs of each district, with a focus on providing outdoor, free, and accessible sports facilities for everyone in the lifestyle, health-and-wellness, and sports sectors.
