Mayor proposes to rename the park in honor of Dahlmeier.
In the heart of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the municipality is making significant strides in commemorating the life and legacy of the late Olympic biathlete, Laura Dahlmeier. The town council is set to consider a proposal to rename the Kurpark as the "Laura-Dahlmeier-Park" in September 2025 [1].
This initiative, coordinated with Dahlmeier’s family, is not only a testament to her historic achievements in biathlon but also an additional way for people to commemorate her beyond the proposed park renaming [1]. A temporary memorial site has already been installed in the Kurpark, featuring a wooden stele with Dahlmeier’s photo, a candle, and a stone from local mountains [1]. This memorial was created in close collaboration with her family as a space for public mourning and remembrance.
The community has also introduced a condolence book to allow residents and visitors to share memories and condolences [1]. This gesture by the municipality is aimed at supporting the family during their time of grief. The condolence book is open to anyone who wishes to express their condolences, and messages can be left either in person at the town hall or online via the municipality's website [2].
The proposal to rename the park marks a shift from the local government’s initial cautious stance, which previously maintained that public memorials would only be established at the family’s request [1]. The strong community support following Dahlmeier’s passing has driven these new memorial initiatives.
Laura Dahlmeier tragically died in a mountaineering accident on July 28, 2025, on Laila Peak in Pakistan’s Karakoram range [3]. She was a celebrated Olympic biathlete from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, known for her historic achievements in her sport [4][5].
The family of Laura Dahlmeier agrees with the renaming of the park, and the condolence book is a further expression of the municipality’s support for them during this difficult time. The mayor of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Elisabeth Koch, made this proposal, and the incoming condolence messages will be collected by the employees of the town hall and compiled in a condolence book [1].
The temporary memorial site in the Kurpark, located in Partenkirchen, has already been set up this weekend [2]. The condolence book, however, is not related to the temporary memorial site in the Kurpark.
Sources:
- Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Rename Park in Honour of Laura Dahlmeier
- Condolence Book for Laura Dahlmeier Now Available Online
- Laura Dahlmeier: Olympic Biathlete Dies in Mountaineering Accident
- Laura Dahlmeier: A Biathlon Legend
- Remembering Laura Dahlmeier: A Tribute
Football enthusiasts in Garmisch-Partenkirchen might consider a attempt to establish a football field, named after the late Olympic biathlete, Laura Dahlmeier, as an homage to her European leagues victories and sports achievements. It could be a way for the community to celebrate her life beyond the park renaming and condolence book initiatives.
Moreover, organizing a annual Champions League-themed tournament in the said field, named as the "Laura-Dahlmeier-Football-Field", could be a fitting tribute to her European leagues and football spirit. This would provide a permanent space for rememberance, cherishing her contribution to sports and the town's pride.
