• 450 square meters in size, 240 tons of sand: the municipal company has once again built the largest sandpit in the city.
• A few things are different for the tenth anniversary of the Archimedean Sandpit: longer running time, Archimedean party and beach volleyball tournament
• As part of the Archimedean Workshop, schoolchildren can make their own street furniture from carbon concrete between July 14 and August 1.

The Katschhof once again becomes a beach mile with a scientific focus: a team from Aachen's municipal services routinely set up the popular sandpit within a few hours on Monday, June 23. It's hard to believe: the project as part of Future Lab Aachen is already entering its tenth round. This will be duly celebrated with familiar program items and new highlights. For Lord Mayor Sibylle Keupen, the annual Archimedean Sandpit is a project close to her heart: "The sandpit on the Katschhof offers a unique atmosphere every year. I think we have the most beautiful sandpit in Europe - maybe even in the world!"

A clean and safe sandpit

The municipal company not only takes care of the construction and dismantling of the sandpit, but also keeps it tidy every day: early in the morning, the sand is raked through and the surrounding area is cleared of sand residue. City operations manager Indra Balsam is proud after the successful and quick construction of the large sandpit: "The enthusiasm and joy of my team is simply infectious." At night, a security service ensures a quiet and safe environment.

From June 26, the Archimedean Sandpit will once again be open to all Aachen residents. Then comes the time to build sandcastles, relax on the deckchairs or watch the children at work. In the anniversary year, the duration will be extended once to eight weeks. Everyone can enjoy the summer oasis on the Katschhof until August 19.

The Archimedean Workshop

No sandpit without an Archimedean workshop: As part of the vacation games, school children will be making their own street furniture from carbon concrete between July 14 and August 1 under the motto "Sustainable building - with concrete or better?".

What the girls and boys develop together with activists from the Bleiberger Fabrik, students from the Design Department of the FH and participants from the Institute for Solid Construction at RWTH Aachen University will be used on the Katschhof. Everyone will be able to see and try out the furniture at the Archimedean Party on August 1 from 2.30 to 10 pm. To mark the anniversary, there will be music by DJ Chris Brid and a debate round by the City of Aachen's Science Office, where citizens are invited to join in the discussion. And as a souvenir to take home, children can cast mini magnets out of concrete on site, which will later stick to their fridge at home. The carbon furniture produced in the workshop can also be admired after the birthday party, as it is intended to find a place in the public urban space. In the interests of sustainability, the sand will be reused in municipal playgrounds after the sandpit has been used.

Tried and tested and new highlights

As in previous years, Aacheners can also look forward to a sporty and meditative start to the new week at the sandpit: every Monday between 7 a.m. and 7.30 a.m., the Healthy Administration of the City of Aachen organizes the popular "Good Morning Yoga". This sporting activity is free of charge and does not require prior registration - put on your sports gear, take off your shoes and hit the sand!

"The program of the tenth Archimedean Sandpit is based on tried and tested program items such as the Archimedean Workshop, yoga and the popular deckchairs, but also deliberately offers new highlights such as the Archimedean Party, the longer running time and the larger sandpit," explains Elena Reinders from the Communications and City Marketing department. STAWAG is once again supporting the Archimedean sandpit this year with sand toys for the children and a shade-providing awning.

Mayor Sibylle Keupen emphasized at the end: "The great thing about the Archimedean Sandpit is the joint effort of all those involved. Every year, the sandpit is a peaceful and respectful place where everyone is invited."

Premiere in the sand: International beach volleyball tournament

Before the big digging season begins, the sandpit is ready for a beach volleyball tournament for the first time. At "Kaiser*in of the Court" on June 25, five international teams, both male and female, will compete against each other. Among others, Sophia Neuß (German U21 champion) and Alexy Humboldt (Belgian beach volleyball champion) will be taking part. To make the tournament possible, the sandpit had to be built extra large. This time, 240 tons of sand were needed for the 18 x 25 metres, which are surrounded by 180 meters of double-layered wooden beams.

The key data:

• June 26 to August 19: Archimedean Sandbox, Katschhof Aachen
• July 14 to August 1: Archimedean workshop on the topic of "Sustainable building - with concrete or better?" for young people aged eight to 16. Spontaneous day registration is possible for eight euros if places become available.
• Every Monday from 7 a.m. to 7.30 a.m. "Good Morning Yoga" by the Healthy Administration
• August 1, 2.30 p.m. to 10 p.m.: Archimedean Party, free of charge