COOLYMP: Active participation at the start of the public participation process
Numerous people participate at the start of the citizen participation process relating to the redesign of the DDr. Alois-Lugger-Platz in brainstorming. In addition to the desire for more green, a large number of citizens also agreed on other issues. There will be more ways to get involved in the coming weeks.
INNSBRUCK. On Thursday evening, the first of several public participation events related to the redesign of the DDr. Alois-Lugger-Platz in the Olympic Village. The “asphalt desert” in the heart of the Olympic Village is to be redesigned in the coming years. The Cool-Inn Park in front of the exhibition hall serves as a model. In addition to the political steering group consisting of Deputy Mayor Johannes Anzengruber, City Councilor Uschi Schwarzl and the municipal councilors Andreas Kunst, Selina Arslan, Christoph Kaufmann and Benjamin Plach, other municipal councilors and the mayor also attended the kick-off event. At the beginning, experts from the city, the university and architects explained the framework conditions for the redesign, after which it was the turn of the citizens to come up with their ideas.
Common wishes and many ideas
The topics of safety, use of space, mobility and climate-friendly design were dealt with at five stations. Experts were always on hand with advice and action. One wish in particular quickly crystallized. As part of the COOLYMP redesign, An-der-Lan-Straße is to be redesigned in the area where it separates the square from the Olympic Park. Citizens say they wish the park WILL BE more securely connected to the new square, which should be achieved through a “shared space”. In addition, the citizens present agreed that the square needed more shade. Opinions differed on how to implement it. Among other things, it was proposed to open up the square in places and to adapt the garage below so that tall trees would shade the square. An undertaking that is probably not feasible due to the budget made available by the city. However, the already existing light well at the active end of the square could be suitable.
Ideas also have limits
As the experts explained in advance, there are also limits to the redesign because of the garage underneath. Greening of the area is possible, but the load of 500 kilograms per square meter cannot be exceeded at times and a fire brigade access, which leads past the edge of the building, should continue to be guaranteed. The public participation also indicated that the local residents rose to a common togetherness. The space should not be divided into different zones, but should be available in its entirety for everyone. The desire for events as well as for adequate gastronomy was expressed. The existing offer by the baguette branch DOES NOT meet the demands of the population.
youth particularly committed
One group of young people in particular stood out at the first public participation event. They came with an elaborate list of wishes. They also wanted to express their desire for an increase in sporting opportunities, among other things, in the form of fitness equipment. This commitment also inspired many older students, whereby a lively exchange between the generations began, in which, according to reports, help was also offered in other areas of life.
More ideas are collected
In the coming weeks, too, the population is called upon to put their ideas into practice. As in other urban projects, a mailbox is to be set up in the square where people can post their ideas. In addition, workshops with all population groups from young to old are planned in the coming weeks. The plan for the redesign should be in place by June and if the citizens have their way, the square around the Olympic fountain should also be included. Some expressed the wish to leave Otto-Neururer-Strasse completely open. The garage under the Lugger Platz offers enough space for cars anyway, only a solution for residents would have to be found. 60 years after the opening of the first Olympic Games in Innsbruck, the square should then shine in new splendor.
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