Potsdam plans austerity measures: Future of the parks in danger!

Potsdam plans austerity measures: Future of the parks in danger!

in Potsdam it is currently rumbling vigorously in the field of park care. According to a report by RBB24 and belong to gardens (SPSG). At the upcoming city council (SVV) on July 2, it is expected that the early termination of the maintenance agreement ongoing up to 2028 will be decided. This agreement, which has existed since 2014, is to end on December 31, 2025, which is the earliest possible possibility that is accepted by the SPSG.

This has not only financial but also cultural implications. The Potsdam city administration, including the former mayor Mike Schubert (SPD), has had discussions in order to end the nursing agreement prematurely. With this step, the city would like to save 800,000 euros annually from 2026. At the same time, there are worrying discussions about the possible introduction of admission prices for Park Sanssouci from 2026, with individual tickets for three euros and annual tickets for 20 euros.

sustainability and monument protection

But what does that mean for the preservation and maintenance of these unique cultural assets? General Director Prof. Dr. presented in a presentation of the SPSG, which took place in the Committee on Science, Research and Culture in January 2022, Prof. Dr. Christoph Martin Vogtherr presented the challenges of the foundation. The focus is on topics such as sustainability and accessibility. The foundation intends to continue a second special investment program for saving the Prussian castles and gardens, with a total volume of 400 million euros by 2030.

The challenges are enormous: the effects of climate change have left noticeable damage in the parks. Dry periods endanger many of the old trees and there is a risk that thousands of them will be lost. As part of projects that result from the special investment program, concepts should therefore be developed to strengthen the resilience of these parks and to ensure the preservation of the valuable building fabric.

monument protection as part of climate policy

An interesting aspect comes up here: Monuments play an important role in climate protection. As explained on vdl-denkmalpflege.de , historical buildings can not only be regarded as evidence of our cultural history, but also as part of a sustainable "green culture". They serve an extended service life, are made of durable materials and help to preserve resources and reduce CO₂ emissions.

In times when the city administration wants to tighten its expenses, a more intensive examination of the importance of monuments and their influence on climate protection could be a key to strengthen not only the culture, but also the environmental awareness of the citizens: inside

The final decision on the admission prices for Park Sanssouci should be made in the middle of the month. However, the continued existence of maintaining the parks and maintaining the historical sites in Potsdam are still uncertain. One thing is clear: the dialogue about financial savings must not be led at the expense of cultural and natural treasures.