The next local recreation area that is accessible to the public, the “DonauGRÜNden”, appears in the city of Vienna. On the site of the future urban development area of Donaufeld, a large recreation area accessible to the public is being built before the first residential construction works begin, which will provide relaxation and retreat opportunities for people and animals. The new green area directly connected to the Old Upper Danube will initially be 10,000 m2 in size and will be accessible to Viennese as a recreational area from 2025. When completed, approximately 14 hectares of to dedicate an undeveloped natural space to the public.
Deputy mayor and housing advisor Kathrin Gaál, planning advisor Ulli Sima and environmental advisor Jürgen Czernohorszky, as well as district director Georg Papai, gave the starting signal for the expansion of the new natural recreation area in Floridsdorf on August 14.
“For a vibrant and growing metropolis like Vienna, it is always a big challenge to provide enough affordable accommodation, not to forget the much-needed local leisure areas urgent This is achieved at the Donaufeld by creating a green oasis that is constantly growing and designed for the public by the “DonauGRÜNden”. Because it’s not just the current visitors who benefit from this, but also the residents of future generations,” said Deputy Mayor and Housing Advisor Kathrin Gaál .
“Nearby trees and meadows are important for rest and recreation activities and provide cooling, especially on hot summer days. “Furthermore, new habitats for plants and animals are being created in our city,” emphasizes Climate City Councilor Jürgen Czernohorszky. “It is particularly important for us that the planting area -new local activities accessible to everyone and that it will be easy for the public.”
“By creating local recreation areas at an early stage, as in this case with the “DonauGRÜNden”, we ensure that new urban development areas are equipped with the most green and open space provision better. The surrounding areas are also benefiting from new urban areas. Combined with affordable accommodation and good public transport links, a modern and livable area is being created here,” said planning consultant Ulli Sima.
Nature and habitat for people and animals
The landscape will be characterized by wide meadows, young trees and bush plantations that will invite you to stay in the cooling shade. In addition, the native green toad, which is a protected species, finds a generous natural habitat, which ensures the long-term survival of the Danube field toad.
Continuous expansion of “DonauGRÜNde”
Gradually a network of trails will allow nature lovers continuous public use. The design of the “DonauGRÜNde” is continuously being expanded, so that a new leisure area close to the water and a central park are available, as well as attractive bicycle and footpath connections to the Marchfeld Canal. .
“Until now, this large area was an insurmountable barrier between the residential buildings on Donaufelder Straße and the popular recreation areas of the Alte Donau. It was therefore important to us that, at the same time as the dedication for residential development, a central 14-hectare green area with public corridors was secured under the law of dedication in the first stage of development at the end of 2017. In this way, creating a new local recreation area with high-quality green and open spaces for all residents of Floridsdorf,” stresses district director Georg Papai.
With good public relations
The extensive local leisure area is accessible to the public via tram lines 25 and 26 and is within walking distance of the U1 underground line. The Donaufeld educational campus is nearby. At the same time, Vienna continues to expand its urgently needed affordable housing. Around 2,000 subsidized residential units are being built in the Schanze area, including student dormitories and other residential spaces. Construction will begin in October 2024 and is expected to be completed in 2026. GB* district management has been active in Donaufeld since 2019.
