Dörentrup, the smallest municipality in the Lippe district with about 7,700 residents, is a community with a wide variety of clubs and a strong sense of community and family.
Currently, 963 children up to age 13 and 457 teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18 live in Dörentrup. Additionally, 2,100 seniors between the ages of 65 and 103 are part of the vibrant village community. Set amidst nature, the municipality’s overall strategy focuses not only on family-friendliness but also on sustainable mobility and energy, sustainable tourism, and nature-based education.
The rural municipality of Dörentrup impressed the jury in the competition for the State Award for Family-Friendly Municipalities with a comprehensive strategy for social village development.
Here, we’d like to introduce you to some of the services offered by the municipality. Further information, links to the project descriptions, and details about the North Rhine-Westphalia State Award can be found in the sidebar.
Local heritage associations and village communities actively collaborate with the municipality on community development. Over the years, this has led to the creation of places where young and old come together—whether for a stroll through the village, at the boules court, at flea markets, or as part of a gathering to socialize.
Dörentrup is firmly committed to the integration of refugees. This includes housing families in single-family homes throughout the various neighborhoods. This promotes integration and makes it easier for residents to live alongside the new community members.
Sports and nature are two key focuses of Dörentrup’s community development. To get children and teenagers excited about sports, the municipality and the municipal sports association hire one FSJ volunteer each year. In addition, nature parks such as the Pottkuhle, the “Village of Animals,” and the Schwelentrup Wildlife Observation Area invite visitors to enjoy nature-based recreation and/or physical activity. Playgrounds, an outdoor fitness area, a barefoot trail, and a disc golf course also encourage physical activity for people of all ages. Furthermore, the sports clubs offer a wide range of activities, including soccer, handball, tennis, table tennis, gymnastics, and more.
The cities of Hamm, Gladbeck, and Brühl; the district of Düren, with its 15 member cities; and the municipality of Windeck were also recognized for their innovative, family-friendly initiatives . The projects range from family-oriented intergenerational initiatives to family-friendly city halls.
