A Break Between the Lecture Hall and the Summer Meadow

10.07.2026

Amid perfect summer weather, the LEO Meadow below the bistro on the Adolf-Reichwein-Straße campus was officially reopened. With sports, games, conversations, and a relaxed atmosphere, the new campus gathering spot is living up to its purpose: lively, open, and right in the heart of everyday university life.

Rektorat bei der Eröffnung der LEO-Wiese.

The Rectorate also attended the reopening ceremony at the beautiful LEO Meadow.

“Thank you to everyone who helped make this place look so beautiful,” said Rector Prof. Dr. Stefanie Reese, letting her gaze wander across the LEO Meadow: from the barbecue area to the shaded spots under the sunshade, all the way to the beautiful lawn, which offers opportunities for sports and play. Together with students and staff, the Rectorate officially inaugurated the redesigned space. They even interrupted the ongoing meeting for this, the Rector said with a laugh. She thanked everyone who helped create a new green oasis on campus.

The approximately 2,000-square-meter open space at the southern end of the Adolf-Reichwein-Straße campus is a place for socializing, interaction, and leisure. Here, members of the university community can relax, take a break from their daily routines, or spend time together outdoors. In addition to plenty of space for sports and games, the area also offers opportunities for barbecuing. And when it gets too hot for physical activity, chilling out and eating ice cream are the order of the day.

Those looking to get active will find plenty of options on the LEO Meadow: The University Library, in collaboration with University Sports, lends out games and sports equipment. These include, among other things, Frisbees, bocce, roundnet, beach balls, Viking chess, XXL Jenga, Indiaca, and a cornhole game. Picnic blankets are also available for loan. The items can be searched for in the University Library’s “Katalog Plus” and can be borrowed at the Main Library on the AR Campus with a valid library card.

To kick things off, the library itself had a booth set up, offering free waffles and the chance to try out the games and sports equipment right there.

There had already been an initial opening of the lawn last year. At that time, however, the work was not yet fully completed. Among other things, the soil had to be loosened again, new grass seeded, and trees planted. Now the area is finished and can be used to its full extent again just in time for summer.

And the next green campus projects are already in the works: Another recreational area is currently being developed in the so-called “Green Center” between the NA building and the Haardter-Berg School. Plans include new seating areas, a volleyball and soccer field, a 15-meter-long slackline, and a bocce court. In the future, hammocks will also be hung among the existing trees. Wildflower meadows will enhance the overall quality of the space. The opening is scheduled for September.