Problem zone Volksgarten: everyone wants to make the park more attractive

Addicts, beggars and “travellers in poverty”: These are groups of people who are on the fringes of society and who employ the police, security service and social workers, especially in the entrance area to the Volksgarten on Goethestrasse, because they are conspicuous. Other visitors usually feel this in the afternoon, because this group tends to behave in a way that is perceived as unpleasant, mostly as a result of high alcohol consumption. The result: People avoid the Volksgarten.

Now the city of Linz wants to change that, to increase the quality of stay in the Volksgarten, as it was said after the unanimous decision in the city senate on Thursday. The existing ISAR concept is to be expanded. Social workers from Volkshilfe have already been working here with the municipal security service. Together with all user groups of the park, common “house rules” are to be drawn up. It deals with rules for dealing with each other as well as sanction options. An inventory should also lead to a package of measures that makes the framework conditions for compliance with and sanctioning of this regulation possible.

The project is expected to cost around 65,000 euros, and in a further step they want to get the state of Upper Austria on board. Mayor Klaus Luger (SP) expects the joint approach “like a few years ago at OK-Platz” to quickly improve the situation and make the Volksgarten more attractive for everyone in Linz. The seating along the country road will be transferred to a location in the park, which would play an important role for Luger.

Deputy Mayor Martin Hajart (VP) was pleased that his party’s request was now being complied with. “We have to counteract the sinking subjective sense of security, which is often triggered by the behavior of alcoholics and addicts as well as special groups,” continued Hajart, who wants to make the Volksgarten a visiting card for Linz again. That was also the intention of the VP application in January of this year.

Not just shifting the problem spatially, but creating a sustainable solution, is important for the city councilor Eva Schobesberger (Greens), who is responsible for green space. One will look to take any structural or design measures to improve the situation. “It is particularly important that the playground in the Volksgarten remains a protected area for families,” said Schobesberger.

Security City Councilor Michael Raml (FP) argues similarly. “The Volksgarten should become an oasis of relaxation again”. He supports every measure to make the park more attractive, cleaner and safer. Raml is also pleased that everyone would pull together to make the Volksgarten more attractive.