Focus point Salingarten: Street workers fight against drugs and violence!

Focus point Salingarten: Street workers fight against drugs and violence!

The Salinggarten in Rosenheim is at the center of a worrying development. Since autumn 2025, regular police operations have been necessary here due to a growing drinking and drug scene. The park attracts a group of about 10 to 15 people who meet in good weather to consume alcohol and take drugs. This means that many visitors avoid the saling garden, especially in the evenings and at night. SPD city councilor Robert Metzger emphasized the urgency of the situation and reported on the increasing problems caused by the group. Rosenheim24 points out that the police authorities have had a total of 17 operations in Salingarten since 2025, compared to 24 in the previous year.

To meet these challenges, the city administration has taken measures in cooperation with the police and the Diakonie. As part of these efforts, street workers have been in action since June 2025 and are financed with a budget of around 75,000 euros annually. It is your job to communicate directly with those affected and to respond to individual problems. So far, 290 contacts have been made, which shows that the offer is generating a certain level of interest. The street workers are active three times a week to offer help and education and also distribute drinks, hygiene products and food. OVB Online reports on the positive feedback regarding her work.

The security concept and the city's reactions

The SPD had already called for a comprehensive security concept in March 2025 to deal with the critical situation in Salingarten and the adjacent Salinplatz. It quickly became apparent that the existing alcohol ban was not having the desired effect, which is why further measures were necessary. Mayor Andreas März emphasizes the city's social responsibility and that they want to be there for those affected. The city administration's plan is to continue the activity of street workers at least until the end of 2026 in order to seriously improve the situation in the park.

Despite the progress, there are also critical voices. Some city councilors, such as CSU city councilor Josef Gasteiger, question the expenditure and suggest investing the money in new play equipment for the saling garden instead. This different perspective on the needs shows the complexity of the issue and the different priorities within city politics. The police still support the work of the street workers and are planning joint control operations to further increase security in the Salingarten.

Requests for alternative offers

The need for an alternative space, such as a tea room or a café, to offer people a more acceptable place to stay is repeatedly expressed. This could help to ease the situation for everyone involved and sustainably improve the quality of stay in the Salingarten. The street workers are in close contact with those affected, who range in age from 16 to 85 and struggle with various challenges such as debt and addiction problems.

The efforts of the city and the street workers are having an impact, but there is still a long way to go to restore the Salingarten to its former appeal. It remains to be hoped that the planned measures and the constantly growing commitment of the city administration and the various institutions will lead to a noticeable improvement for those affected.