Partial release of the outdoor area of the Am Finther Wald daycare center possible
Now that the supplementary soil tests have been completed, there is an important relief for the Am Finther Wald daycare center: According to the responsible authorities, the eastern part of the outdoor area can be used for daycare operations again.
The precautionary closure of part of the outdoor area was implemented to protect the well-being of children after preliminary tests in the western part of the site revealed, among other things, elevated PFAS levels. The results of additional tests are now available. Following an assessment by the SGD Süd as the Higher Soil Protection Authority and the Mainz-Bingen Health Department, the eastern part of the outdoor area may be reopened immediately. This section constitutes the vast majority of the outdoor area, ensuring that the daycare center has sufficient space available.
The additional soil samples show that the PFAS threshold values for children’s play areas are met in the areas examined. The PFAS situation is therefore considered safe with regard to the soil-to-human exposure pathway.
Outside the actual play area, a single soil sample taken at the entrance to the daycare center near the trash area showed a locally elevated lead level. However, there is no evidence of widespread contamination. According to the daycare center’s management, the affected area is not used as a play area.
The area in the western section, which had already been examined previously, remains closed to daycare operations. Further potential safety measures are currently being evaluated there. During the closure, the daycare center continues to use the adjacent public playground. From the perspective of the relevant authorities, there are no concerns regarding its use.
The state capital of Mainz will continue to keep parents closely informed of developments. To address open questions and potential concerns, a joint virtual parent-teacher meeting will take place on Monday, June 8, 2026, with representatives from SGD Süd, the Mainz-Bingen Health Department, and the Daycare Division of the Office for Youth and Family.
At the same time, the city administration is examining long-term prospects for the daycare center’s location as well as further measures to improve the heat situation in the container facility.
The safety and health of the children remain the top priority for the state capital of Mainz. The administration will closely monitor the situation in collaboration with the relevant authorities and provide transparent information on all further steps.