Wels is applying for the 2027 State Garden Show

On Monday, the local council voted unanimously in favor of the application. “The city would benefit massively from this, a state horticultural show is a magnet for visitors,” says Mayor Rabl. The city is investing around 15 million euros in the expansion of the Volksgarten, including the demolition of the exhibition halls. A state horticultural show would cost another eight to ten million, although the state has co-financed around two thirds in the past.

“An award means an enormous improvement in image. And we would use new design options for our parks,” says Rabl. There have already been initial discussions with State Governor Thomas Stelzer, State Councilor Markus Achleitner and State Councilor Michaela Langer-Weninger, who were “very open to the idea,” according to the city boss. However, the state has not yet initiated the application process; a decision is expected in the summer of 2024.

Themes: nature, strength and energy

Wels will apply with the thematic focus of “Nature, Power and Energy”. The energetic power that people draw from visiting parks should also play an important role, as should topics such as climate change and its effects on the design of gardens.
“There is a special exhibition in neighboring Welios, and we can also spruce up the city’s parks,” says Deputy Mayor Christa Raggl-Mühlberger (FP). The Reinberg local recreation area on the Thalheim side and the municipal zoo should also be included. The gardens in the city center, especially the Burggarten and Zwinger, should be made even more attractive. Only the Volksgarten and Welios are intended as payment zones.

Opportunity also for tourism

City councilor Martin Oberndorfer (VP) emphasizes that the state horticultural show would be the “icing on the cake” for the new Volksgarten and its tourist development. “The Welios would also benefit greatly from the renewal of the exhibition; its continued existence would be secured for years,” says Oberndorfer. For the Science Center Welios, the obligation to operate due to high EU funding ends in spring 2026.
There should also be synergies and cooperation with the energy saving fair and the “Blooming Austria” fair, for example the garden designers’ show gardens could be presented not only in the exhibition halls, but also, for the first time, in the Volksgarten.

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