"We are thus opening a new chapter in the city's history and creating a green oasis as a recreational area for residents on one of the last remaining open spaces in the high-density Westend district," said Mayor Hinninger, who is also responsible for green spaces, on the importance of this measure. At the same time, the fresh air supply will be supported and the microclimate improved. "We assume that the conversion will reduce local temperatures by up to five degrees in summer."

A fountain with a water play area, a large lawn and a terrace for games and other activities are among the details of the plans for Elsässer Park. The reuse of used natural stone paving reinforces the sustainability of the project.

Lord Mayor and Head of Urban Development Mende emphasized: "The redesign of Elsässer Platz has been under discussion for a very long time and is now finally becoming a reality. As an extension of the Wellritz Valley, a green space is being created here in the city that will be filled with life by the residents of the Westend and at the same time improve the quality of life. I am therefore very pleased that we can celebrate the start of construction today and would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the preliminary work."

Andreas Kowol, Head of Building and Transport, added: "With 429 ultra-modern parking spaces in the new neighborhood garage and 75 in the northern part of Elsässer Platz, there are now more parking spaces in total than before. We have thus secured parking spaces for residents and at the same time created space for new developments. This gives the outer Westend and the Rheingauviertel/Hollerborn district an attractive place to stay and meet for everyone who lives here."

With 40 climate-resilient new trees, 2,200 square meters of shrub and perennial planting and 3,000 square meters of lawn, the measure is also part of Wiesbaden's climate adaptation. This also includes a 200 cubic meter cistern under the square. Precise modeling of the terrain ensures that rainwater that does not run off into the vegetation is collected there and used to water the green area during dry periods if necessary. The adjacent Klarenthaler Straße is also integrated into this new rainwater management system, which is unique in the city and was developed together with Wiesbaden's waste disposal company ELW. This makes Elsässer Park an outstanding example of the sponge city concept.

In all phases of the project, financial support is being provided as part of the urban development program "Growth and Sustainable Renewal" - also known as "Stadtgrün Wiesbaden" - and support is being provided by SEG Stadtentwicklungsgesellschaft Wiesbaden. This relates in particular to public participation, preparatory studies, interim use and the construction project itself.

"As a trustee of the state capital of Wiesbaden, we have been able to financially support the conversion of Elsässer Platz into Elsässer Park by acquiring around 660,000 euros from the federal and state governments from the climate contingent of urban development funding. This will enable us to create valuable 'urban greenery' for everyone and ease the burden on the city's budget," explained Roland Stöcklin, Managing Director of SEG.

According to current plans, the 7.6 million euro project should be completed in September 2026. That's when people will meet again - for the inauguration, the first party in the new Alsace Park.

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