Last Saturday, Idar-Oberstein once again showed how much power there is in collaborative design at the final festival for the "Sustainable inner cities and centers" (ZIZ) funding program. From Schleiferplatz to Maler-Wild-Platz, Idar's city center was transformed into a lively stage where craft and hands-on activities got young and old alike moving. Everywhere there were offers that aroused curiosity and made it possible to get directly involved. Bouncy castles brought additional fun and movement to the day. At Sabrina Hoffmann's stand, an impressive work of art was created that made ideas tangible: materials, shapes and colors came together to create a lasting experience.
The formal part of the event began at 1 p.m. in the former Gisela hairdressing salon. Here, some of the implemented measures were presented as part of a presentation. The atmosphere was objective, focused and open to participation. Visitors were able to see how decisions are made and how participation leads to tangible results. Unfortunately, the number of invited guests from the council and committees was lower than expected. The economic development agency regretted the low turnout. Precisely because the concrete measures and successes were always communicated transparently in order to provide the committee members with a clear guideline so that they could offer orientation to beneficiaries and the city. The project managers from the economic development department have drawn an important conclusion from this: this is a city administration program that requires formal resolutions. At the same time, genuine participation is growing: The population showed great interest throughout the day and was present. Finally, as part of the presentation, the new Idar-Oberstein app was introduced and activated by Lord Mayor Frank Frühauf. In future, citizens and guests will be able to use the app to find out even more about events, opening times and offers in the city. The app was the focus of a short demonstration and showed how digital offerings make the city center a tangible experience.
The official opening of the festival by Mayor Frühauf and business promoters Sarah Wagner and Caroline Pehlke followed at 2 p.m. on Schleiferplatz. The two emphasized that courage, commitment and trust had been the driving forces of the last three years and that a network of relationships was supporting the city. Their words sounded like a clear invitation: Stay in dialog, stay creative, stay courageous. Over the course of the day, visitors were offered a multifaceted program. Clubs, school classes and local restaurateurs presented a culinary and cultural variety. The Kreismusikschule (district music school) made people sit up and take notice with enchanting harp sounds, while the IKG-Garde and the cheerleaders of the ITV provided a participatory element. These were complemented by hands-on activities, magic shows and upbeat music from the band Happy Tones. On the Maler-Wild-Platz, play and craft stations invited visitors to get creative, while walk acts such as Bibi and Tina and the Gemstone Queen Vivian Heidrich provided souvenir photos and smiles.
Business development manager Caroline Pehlke summarizes the past three years as follows: "We are proud of what we have achieved - visible in projects and in the strong, networked cooperation that strengthens our city." Her colleague Sarah Wagner also drew a conclusion: "The final event was more than just a final report. It was confirmation that cohesion, structured participation and tangible results are shaping the inner cities of tomorrow. The overall work of art at the Sabrina Hoffmann stand is exemplary for the combination of planning, design and participation - our Idar-Oberstein is present, visible and fit for the future."
However, it should not end with the final event - intensive efforts are being made to find ways to continue the project in order to achieve sustainable effects. The business promoters are examining various options, including an application for the state program Innenstadt Impulse. The city marketing association is also already involved, but a mixture of financial support, stall fee collection and voluntary help is seen as sensible. After the funding program is before the next event. The Advent glow is already being planned. There is lively interest from clubs, restaurateurs and other institutions who would like to participate. Initial planning is already underway to create a harmonious, communal Advent atmosphere.
- Further information on the funding program, current initiatives and upcoming events can be found at www.idar-oberstein.de. If you would like to get involved, please send an email to wirtschaftsfoerderung@idar-oberstein.de.