Vienna is blossoming: Naschpark opens – green dream for citizens!

Vienna is blossoming: Naschpark opens – green dream for citizens!

Vienna is experiencing a fascinating change! The new Naschpark is being created from a former asphalt area between the Wienzeilen, which not only improves the inner-city heat island of Mariahilf, but also provides relaxing oases. With an impressive area of ​​6,820 square meters, the City of Vienna has launched a flagship project that is particularly important with regard to climate adaptation and quality of life. Loud Today Planning Councilor Ulli Sima emphasized at the opening that the green landscape should contribute to cooling and improving the quality of stay.

What can you expect at Naschpark? Over 50,000 plants and 70 trees have already been planted, with large-crowned species selected, some of which are over 25 years old. In the future, five large trees will be added along Wienzeile. The park's facilities also leave nothing to be desired: with shady pergolas, comfortable seating and lawns, an inviting space for relaxation has been created. In addition, three fountains and four water features invite children and adults to linger. Young visitors can look forward to play equipment such as a sack line and a balancing device. Naschpark also features a 200 meter long two-way pink cycle path, designed to avoid conflicts between cyclists and pedestrians.

Citizen participation and sustainable planning

Citizen participation played a crucial role in the planning of the park. Deputy district manager Julia Lessacher emphasized how important the voices of residents were for the project. The Naschpark concept, created during a citizen participation process in 2021, was very well received by the Viennese. The “Park instead of parking lot” petition, which collected over 22,000 signatures, is a sign of the population's great interest in more green spaces in the city. Peter Kraus, party leader of the Vienna Greens, also sees Naschpark as a success for the citizens' initiative, which has campaigned for greening the city.

Technically, the Naschpark is a masterpiece: The new city park lies above the vault of the Vienna River and the U4 subway line, which required precise planning and implementation. In the next few months, a new “market space” will be created in which regional and seasonal products will be offered, which will further increase the attractiveness of the area.

A step into Vienna’s green future

At a time when cities are increasingly struggling with the consequences of climate change, projects like Naschpark are particularly important. Cities are developing into heat islands that experience high temperatures due to sealing and development. The Federal Environment Agency and many experts emphasize the need for more green spaces to create sustainable recreational space and improve quality of life. The Naschpark is therefore not only a place for relaxation, but also a contribution to improving the microclimate in Vienna.

The official opening of the Naschpark will take place on Friday, September 19th, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. A free chocolate fountain is also planned for a festival with a diverse children's program, live music, DJ and culinary offerings. The Naschpark is now not only a new green oasis, but also proof that with commitment, citizen participation and a good plan, a city can be made livable.