Wohlen Referendum: Vote Set for Niedermatten Stadium Artificial Turf

Referendum status and voter timeline

The formal submission of the signatures took place last Friday at the municipal building, where Gemeindeammann Roland Vogt, Michelle Hunziker of the municipal chancellery, and Tiziana Carpenito, head of resident services, received the documentation. While the signatures are currently undergoing a standard verification process, municipal officials have described the check as a formal procedure, given that the party exceeded the legal threshold of five percent of eligible voters. SVP Einwohnerrat Manfred Breitschmid stated that the party aimed to accelerate the signature collection process to ensure the vote could be scheduled promptly.

It is important to us that no one gets the feeling that we want to drag this matter out.

Manfred Breitschmid, SVP Einwohnerrat Breitschmid added that it was a premiere for the party to present a referendum to a municipal leader from their own ranks, noting that the goal was to ensure the electorate has the final say on the credit request. Roland Vogt confirmed the administration’s readiness for the vote, noting that early submission of the signatures helps the municipality manage its administrative workload.

Project costs and funding structure

The proposed project involves converting the existing natural grass field at the Niedermatten stadium into a synthetic surface. The total investment is estimated at 1.81 million Swiss francs. The financing plan includes a 400,000 Swiss franc contribution from the Aargau cantonal Swisslos sport fund and 270,000 Swiss francs from FC Wohlen, representing 15 percent of the total costs. This leaves the municipality of Wohlen with a net expenditure of 1.14 million Swiss francs. The project requires a building permit by the end of December 2027 to secure the cantonal funding. In the local parliament, the proposal passed with 25 votes in favor and 12 against, with the SVP serving as the primary opposition group.

Infrastructure needs and facility usage

The current main field at Niedermatten has been in use since 2004 and was identified as requiring renovation during a 2017 assessment. Supporters of the project cite durability and maintenance as primary drivers for the switch to synthetic turf. A synthetic field is expected to reduce annual maintenance costs by approximately 30,000 Swiss francs and provide higher load-bearing capacity for the facility. FC Wohlen currently manages 30 youth teams, and the club faces significant pressure on its available training space. The situation is expected to intensify in approximately two years, as the neighboring Rigacker football field is slated to be removed to accommodate the expansion of the local cantonal school.