Karlsplatz in Ulm: Action plan for safety and cleanliness presented!

Karlsplatz in Ulm: Action plan for safety and cleanliness presented!

In Ulm everything revolves around Karlsplatz at the moment. The city has launched a new action plan to make this popular but challenging meeting place safer and more welcoming. The place is particularly popular with families with small children, but increasing reports of safety and cleanliness problems are causing dissatisfaction. This misery has now also been brought to the attention of the city administration, which in discussions with citizens of Mayor Martin Ansbacher has recognized a clear need for action.

The city is therefore planning an on-site meeting at which measures will be discussed together with the citizens. In addition to the mayor, representatives of the local public order service, the police and the city administration as well as committed citizens will also be there. The aim is to address existing problems such as frequent alcohol and drug consumption, waste dumping - including injections on playgrounds - and the associated migration of families.

A holistic approach

The city administration has already kept an eye on Karlsplatz and has carried out increased checks there - by the end of June there had already been around 30 operations. An intensification of these measures is planned. The municipal security service works closely with the police and holds regular “round tables” in order to continuously improve the security situation. In addition, consideration is being given to setting up a drug consumption room in order not only to reduce the health risks for users, but also to relieve pressure on public spaces.

But it is not enough just to create security through control. The Ulm waste disposal company has already taken steps to clean the area more regularly and is planning to extend the cleaning times. These measures are urgently needed because parents and other visitors report a worrying condition of the place, including all sorts of rubbish. Many families are now avoiding Karlsplatz, which has resulted in alarming complaints about the current situation.

Together for a better atmosphere

In order to improve the living environment for citizens, neighborhood social work has already launched a number of initiatives. Games are offered for children on Mondays and there are weekly consultation hours in the Mitte community center. In addition, planned activities such as an autumn flea market and various children's activities from the Schaffnerstrasse children's and family center as well as participation in the Karlsplatz festival are planned as part of the action plan.

This holistic approach is important for the future development of Karlsplatz. Ulm strives for sustainable improvement on various levels, be it structural or social measures. As well as safercity.de clarifies, a safe environment and social measures to promote cohesion are crucial to changing unsafe spaces in cities and avoiding stigmatization as “fearful dreams”.

The action plan combines existing and new measures and can draw on the experiences of other cities. Initiatives such as “Design for Security” in Greater Manchester and security strategies in Vienna have provided valuable impetus. But ultimately the success of this project will depend on the active participation of citizens. Only together can we create an attractive and safe atmosphere at Karlsplatz that welcomes everyone in Ulm.