New meeting place in Essling: Citizens create a green oasis in the inner courtyard!

New meeting place in Essling: Citizens create a green oasis in the inner courtyard!

Something is happening in Essling: a new meeting place is being created that will significantly improve the quality of life in a central area. The space between the community buildings, Esslinger Hauptstraße, Fredi's Cafe and St. Josef Church is receiving a comprehensive redesign that is long overdue. The square was renovated in 2023, but to the disappointment of many, it was sealed with asphalt - a decision that was met with incomprehension by the residents. The environmentally friendly greenery that many would have wanted did not materialize.

However, after numerous discussions with district officials, committed Esslingers were able to draw attention to their concerns. Now there is finally an opportunity to transform the square into a development-friendly meeting place. The plan is to use water-permeable paving stones and drainage concrete to ensure well-thought-out water drainage. Six new benches and 22 bike racks are intended to further enhance the space. In addition, the area for Fredi's bar garden will be enlarged and a drinking water hydrant will be added. The residents of Esslingen can also look forward to seven new trees with drip irrigation, which will enrich the overall appearance of the square.

The new space and its use

The redesign is expected to be completed by mid-September, although implementation has been delayed by almost a year. A celebration to mark the opening of the new square is planned for September 20th from 4:00 p.m. and is being organized by “Treffpunkt Essling” and “Kulturfleckerl Essling”. This festival promises a colorful program with interactive music workshops, a bouncy castle, culinary delicacies and musical performances. Visitors will have the opportunity to submit suggestions for a name for the new plaza, giving the community a voice.

• Sechs Sitzbänke
• 22 Radständer
• Vergrößerter Bereich für Fredi’s Schanigarten
• Ein Trinkwasserhydrant
• Sieben neue Bäume mit Tropfbewässerung

However, the traffic volume on Esslinger Hauptstrasse remains a challenge. Traffic noise is expected to remain while a reduction to 30 km/h is deemed necessary. Some parking spaces have to make way for the new space - a price that many residents are willing to pay in order to promote a higher quality of life and better coexistence.

With regard to the design and preparation of the square, it was criticized that citizens were not included in the planning process. This also means that there are fewer green spaces available in the city. Nevertheless, the commitment of the residents and the discussions with those responsible show that the Esslingen community is actively interested in its living environment.

This could be an example for other districts that have to overcome similar challenges in order to improve their quality of life in the long term. As you can see, committed citizens can make a big difference!

In the future, Essling will be an inviting place to linger, interact and enjoy. To make this a success, everyone is invited to take part in the festival and contribute their ideas to creating an inspiring place.