Experience of nature at Dorfgastein: Amazement, playing, learning

Short description

The project "Experience of nature at Dorfgastein" comprises the establishment of a new, educational playground, a modern Kneipp health studio with a show garden with medicinal herbs, playing and learning stations dealing with the Austrian nature (stones, plants, animals) and the history of Gastein. In the marginal zones of the biotope “Patschgwiese” playing and learning stations are to communicate the outstanding value of this natural jewel especially to young people.

Point of departure

The former federal road links the municipalities of Dorfgastein and Bad Hofgastein. The greater part of it has been closed to motorised private transport and is reserved above all to walking and bicycle transport. In this area there is also the popular high-altitude trail “Dorfgasteiner Höhenweg” as well as the “Patschgwiese”, one of the most important biotopes of the Province of Salzburg. A playground of supra-local importance, the “Abenteuerspielplatz” (“adventure playground”), had to be removed due to a torrent control project and is to be re-established.
Dorfgastein is a growing community, above all for young families. Suitable spare-time opportunities which combine high-quality playing and learning are still missing. Dorfgastein is also a tourism community where especially families are to be attracted as a special target group. Also for the visitors of Dorfgastein the existing offer is all but satisfactory.

Targets and target groups

The project "Experience of nature at Dorfgastein" comprises the establishment of a new, educational playground, a modern Kneipp health studio with a show garden with medicinal herbs, playing and learning stations dealing with the Austrian nature (stones, plants, animals) and the history of Gastein. In the marginal zones of the biotope “Patschgwiese” playing and learning stations are to communicate the outstanding value of this natural jewel especially to young people.
The required green areas are either made available by the community of Dorfgastein or rented from private land owners by the community of Dorfgastein. “Experience of nature at Dorfgastein” thus complies with the regionally important priorities “Climate & nature conservation, tourism & agriculture” as well as, in parts, with the priorities “Qualification and education” and “Heath & social affairs”.

Project implementation and measures

Toys, demonstration and information boards are to be fixed; great attention is paid to educational playing elements. A great number of important stones are to be presented interactively and sculpturally. In addition to the fascination of stones, visitors are also to have opportunities to actively experience life in forests and at the water.
As marketing measures e.g. a folder and a DVD (brochure in digital form with a film of approx. 10 to 15 minutes which can be used in regional media and to prepare students at school are planned.