New Barbara Prammer Park in Margareten: Green refuge for the microclimate!

New Barbara Prammer Park in Margareten: Green refuge for the microclimate!

Vienna will have a new attraction in the future: the *Barbara Prammer Park* in the 5th Margareten district was ceremoniously opened today. Directly next to the Kettenbrückengasse U4 station, the green oasis covers an area of ​​1,500 square meters, which was previously used as a parking lot and location for a planned high-rise building. The park is intended not only to increase the quality of life of the residents, but also to provide a noticeable cooling effect during the hot summer months. *Krone* reports that transport city councilor Ulli Sima (SPÖ) and Neos councilor Angelika Pipal-Leixner were present at the opening. District leader Michael Luxenberger (Greens) wants the park to become people’s “extended living room”.

The newly designed park includes 14 new and 8 existing trees, spacious grass beds, colorful flowers and comfortable seating. Water features should also create a pleasant ambience. With the project “Heat out – nature in!” A concept was implemented that not only upgrades the zone, but also specifically improves the air quality and the microclimate. *Wien.gv.at* highlights that 10 new bicycle parking spaces were also integrated into the planning and the natural sandstone wall that stands there is considered a natural monument.

A concept for the future

Greening in urban areas is crucial to address the challenges of climate change. According to *GreenKama*, urban greening not only improves the microclimate, but also contributes to better air quality. Plants act as natural air filters, absorbing pollutants and converting carbon dioxide into oxygen. In addition, they cool their surroundings and thus reduce the urban heat island effect.

By integrating plant habitats for animals and plants, biodiversity is promoted. Barbara Prammer Park has the potential to become such a retreat. Luxenberger wants the new park to enable people to come together, enjoy nature and talk to each other.

A memorial for Barbara Prammer

The park is not only a place for relaxation, but also bears the name of Barbara Prammer, the first president of the National Council. She lived only a five-minute walk away and died in 2014. The naming was finalized in the Committee for Culture and Science, as can be read on *Wien.gv.at*. Their legacy and contribution to Austria's political landscape should be honored through this new park.

The redesign of the area took around five months and shows how urban spaces can be actively filled with life. At the opening the sun was shining and the anticipation of relaxing hours in a newly designed piece of nature was palpable. It remains to be hoped that Barbara Prammer Park will be a real hit among Viennese people and invite numerous people to linger.