Mayor Christiane Hinninger said: “It’s great to see the impact the Elsässer Park will have on the Westend. A parking lot is being transformed into a place for socializing, recreation, and climate adaptation. This park is an example of how modern urban development, climate adaptation, and citizen participation can successfully work together. Given the complexity of this project, it’s no small feat that we’re on schedule with construction. The final plantings will take place this fall. Then the park will be complete.”

The transformation of what was previously a largely impervious area into a spacious park is one of the state capital of Wiesbaden’s key open-space and climate adaptation projects. With green spaces, play and recreational areas, new pathways, and a well-designed rainwater management system, a central gathering place is being created for the densely populated Westend neighborhood. Through several participatory phases, residents and local initiatives were able to contribute their ideas and wishes.

Already completed are, among other things, the 200-cubic-meter rainwater cistern, the planting of seven large trees along Klarenthaler Straße, the sidewalk, the new accessible bus stop, the Elsässer Platz area, and the bike path connecting Nettelbeckstraße and Klarenthaler Straße. 

All the playground equipment has been installed in the large play area, but the area is not yet open. Work is currently underway on the utility building, which will house public restrooms. At the same time, the fountain area and the adjacent plaza are being developed; these will serve as a central gathering place in the park in the future.

Once construction is complete, Elsässer Park—with its trees, green spaces, and recreational and play areas—will improve the urban climate and enhance the quality of life in the Westend neighborhood. The rainwater cistern, the new planting areas, and the future shaded areas will make an important contribution to climate adaptation in the neighborhood. 

The project is also gaining recognition beyond Wiesbaden: Elsässer Park has been nominated for the national “Blauer Kompass” award. The award honors projects that exemplify how climate adaptation can be successfully implemented at the local level.