Villagers Gaming with Marbles in Central Plaza
In the heart of the Hohe Heide region, a new attraction has emerged, transforming Mittelstendorf's village square into a vibrant hub. The project, which cost approximately 55,000 euros, was completed at the end of 2021, just three months after receiving the necessary funding.
The idea for the marble playground was a collaborative effort between the local community, artists, and designers. The funding, aimed at promoting village development and welcoming culture, fit perfectly into this description provided by the Leader funding for the Hohe Heide region.
The construction period was not without its challenges. The tender for the project was complex, and the implementation was made more difficult by the Corona period. However, the local Councilor, Wolfgang Erwin, was committed to the project and worked closely with the city to ensure its success.
The marble playground involves more than just a run. It includes paving work, a shelter, benches, a fence, and lighting, all professionally planned by the only manufacturer in Germany capable of such work. The colour green was found unsuitable for the marbles, as they are difficult to find in the grass. Instead, a more practical colour was chosen.
Groups can use the marble game facility, but registration is required in advance. Additionally, besides marbles, a sieve, fine sand, a broom, and a dustpan are needed for a proper marble game event. Open play afternoons for the marble game will be offered once a month in Mittelstendorf.
Initial experiences have shown that small separations are necessary to prevent the glass marbles from sliding onto neighbouring plots. The marble run special exhibitions at the toy museum in Soltau are consistently popular, indicating a strong interest in this unique playground.
Two sets of marble game equipment are available for loan in Mittelstendorf, contactable through local representative Wolfgang Erwin or fire chief Marc Grün Hagen. The newly created village square was officially inaugurated by Mayor Olaf Klang, marking a significant milestone for the village.
Interestingly, before the marble playground, the district of Soltau's district Mittelstendorf lacked a central meeting point. Now, with the addition of this unique attraction, the village square serves as a gathering place for the community and visitors alike.
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