From 'Lost Place' to State Garden Show - Neuss on the Verge - Neuss Transforms Old Racetrack into a 38-Hectare Urban Park for 2026 Horticultural Show
Neuss is preparing to host the North Rhine-Westphalia State Horticultural Show in 2026. The event will transform a former horse racing track into a sprawling 38-hectare urban park. City officials expect the project to attract at least 650,000 visitors over six months.
The show will open on April 16 and run until October 11. Tickets are priced at €20 for adults, with concessions at €10 and children under 17 paying €5. The site will feature over 20,000 square meters of flowers, including perennials, roses, and wildflower meadows.
Key parts of the old racetrack remain, such as the grandstand and the sand racing circuit, now repurposed as a dry biotope. New attractions include three adventure playgrounds with life-sized plastic horses. Mayor Reiner Breuer (SPD) has stated that the park will be completed on schedule. Neuss aims to use the event to showcase a modern, forward-thinking image. The city's new *Stadtpark im Herzen der Stadt* will host more than 1,000 events during the show. Meanwhile, another former trotter racetrack in nearby Mönchengladbach, just 25 kilometres away, is also undergoing redevelopment.
The horticultural show will turn a historic racing site into a major green space for the region. With extensive floral displays, family-friendly attractions, and a packed event programme, organisers anticipate strong public interest. The project marks a significant step in Neuss's urban development plans.
