Aschaffenburg Launches 'abpflastern' Initiative to Green Urban Spaces
Aschaffenburg, a city in Germany, has launched a nationwide initiative called 'abpflastern' to enhance its urban climate and improve residents' quality of life. The project involves replacing sealed surfaces with greenery, with a recent example being a small square at the corner of Buchenweg/Ulmenweg in Nilkheim.
The square, measuring approximately 315 sqm, has been transformed as part of this initiative. The old sealed surface has been removed and replaced with a lush lawn, three new trees, and comfortable benches. The fountain at the square was retained, adding to its charm.
The 'abpflastern' initiative is a long-term, nationwide competition organized by students of the University of Applied Sciences for Social Work in Koblenz. Participants are encouraged to enter their de-sealed areas into an online portal, complete with before-and-after photos for evaluation. Each month during the competition season, a project will be crowned 'Star of the Month'.
Aschaffenburg, along with other municipalities, is participating in this innovative project. The city aims to honor the three winning municipalities in the categories of large city, medium-sized city, and small city in November 2025. All residents of Aschaffenburg are invited to contribute to this greening initiative, making their city a greener, more pleasant place to live.
