Mayor Christiane Hinninger said during the on-site visit: “The final construction work and planting in Elsässer Park will be completed shortly. It’s already clear to see how the former parking lot is being transformed into a green space. The opening will take place in the spring of 2027. The plants and lawns need time to establish themselves properly.”

As the final planting work is underway, the infrastructure is being completed. This work includes the irrigation system, the remaining pathways, and the installation of railings, lighting, and a total of 25 benches. In the future, a total of 40 new trees—including French maple, southern hackberry, and white mulberry—and over 1,000 additional shrubs and trees will define the park. They will be complemented by approximately 15,000 perennials, ornamental grasses, and ferns, as well as about 24,000 spring-flowering plants, whose bulbs are now being planted.

Gabriele Wolter, head of the Parks and Recreation Department, explained: “When selecting the trees, we made sure they could withstand heat and prolonged dry spells. At the same time, reliable irrigation is needed to ensure the green spaces can thrive in the long term. For this purpose, we can also use rainwater collected in the 200-cubic-meter cistern beneath the park.”

The transformation of Elsässer Platz—which was previously a predominantly impervious surface—into a spacious park is one of the most important open-space and climate adaptation projects in the state capital of Wiesbaden. This project is not only creating a central gathering place for the densely populated Westend neighborhood. Removing impervious surfaces and adding greenery also help the neighborhood adapt to hotter summers. The new green spaces heat up less and help cool the area through plant evaporation. As the trees grow larger, they provide more shade; the open park layout promotes air circulation.

Through several participatory phases, residents and local initiatives were able to contribute their ideas and wishes.

The redesign, with a total cost of approximately 7.6 million euros, is funded as part of the urban development program “Growth and Sustainable Renewal – Urban Green Spaces in Wiesbaden.” The Wiesbaden Urban Development Corporation (SEG) is responsible for managing the funding on behalf of the city, among other tasks.