Catalyst for social integration

Sportgarten at Ernst-Kuzorra-Platz in Gelsenkirchen

Schalke-Nord is struggling with such structural challenges as unemployment and urban development shortcomings. The Sportgarten (sports garden) at Ernst-Kuzorra-Platz is there­fore not so much a leisure facility as a central component of urban renewal. What was until recently a wasteland now offers 13,000 m² of sports facilities for use free of charge, including trampolines, basketball, teqball and more – right next to the legendary Glück-auf-Kampfbahn stadium.

After 16 months for construction, the new Sportgarten at Ernst-Kuzorra-Platz in Gelsenkirchen-Schalke opened in July 2025. With a project ­vol­ume of EUR 4.5 million and covering an area of 13,000 m², this facility marks a significant mile­stone for the socially disadvantaged Schalke-Nord district of Gelsenkirchen.