IAKS facility tour - Outdoor facilities

Participants
Operators of municipal and private sports and leisure facilities, architects, planners, investors.

Language
Tour guide - English language

As part of the continuous modernization of its youth academy, the football club 1. FC Köln renewed its synthetic turf pitch.

The innovative CorePrime system from FieldTurf Tarkett was used, featuring fibers made entirely from recycled materials. The goals of this eco-friendly fiber are improved playing characteristics and durability - an important step toward greater sustainability in sports facility construction. With PureGrain, a corn-based granulate, the infill material used offers an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plastic granulates. PureGrain is biodegradable, prevents microplastic risks, and contributes to a better microclimate on the pitch.

Family-friendly and multi-generational sports and neighbourhood park

The sports park in Mülheim, developed with strong local involvement, transformed a former clay court into a vibrant, inclusive hub for all ages. Free, low-threshold activities invite participation while challenging elements engage advanced athletes, supported by on-site supervision. A 'sports link' connects the park to the nearby sports hall, daycare, and Stiftungspark, opening a once-closed area. Facilities include an all-weather open-air hall for team sports, streetball, interactive goal wall, and table football. 'Styrum Beach' offers volleyball, soccer, long jump, and bouldering in a dune setting with a holiday vibe. Parkour, calisthenics, climbing areas, and a bouldering hill provide varied fitness options, while paths, tracks, and natural features link spaces and encourage movement. A 500 m track connects to a school playground, while green areas offer rest, play, and ecological benefits. A redesigned playground promotes exercise for children, and schools use the park for physical education.

See also feature in sb magazine 6/2022

Trend and Fun Sport Arena

The centerpiece of the renovated area located in the northern park is the construction of an ellipse-shaped trend and fun sport arena. Enclosed by arena walls made of locust tree trunks, a varied climbing course was created with bouldering rocks offering challenges for both beginners and advanced climbers. The 'Spider Wall' is aimed primarily at children and younger teens. The 'Rock Arch', with its demanding overhang section, provides a greater technical climbing challenge. A range of climbing routes with permanently mounted holds allows for diverse use. Another level is offered by the 'MultiRock', which combines climbing rocks with smooth stone blocks, demanding both climbing skill and physical fitness at the highest level. All bouldering elements are made of colored concrete, ensuring both high design quality and robust appearance.

In combination with activities that promote movement and coordination - such as the outdoor trampoline, climbing forest, and seating podium - the arena has become a hotspot for physical training.

Boules Facility

The sports offerings are complemented by a boules area adjacent to the arena. The facility includes two boules courts, accessible benches, weather protection, and surrounding seating walls.