In July, the City of Antwerp has solemnly opened the most recently constructed part of Park Groot Schijn. All trails and surrounding nature are now landscaped. The paths make the entire park easily accessible to visitors, the nature consists of hundreds of new plants and trees.

In the past, Park Groot Schijn was divided into various sports and recreation areas. Thanks to the cooperation between the city, district, associations and users, the area has been transformed into one large green park of 83 hectares. 

The paths and the surrounding nature play a crucial role in this. Together they function as ‘green joints’ that connect the different rooms of the park and provide a place for wadis, sitting and lying areas and nature.

Hiking trails through the park

The main path is seven meters wide and is an extension of the central lane in the Rivierenhof. This path makes an east-west connection through the park. Along the main path is the entrance to the sports room, the central square and the youth room. The other paths are four meters wide. There are several benches along the paths throughout the park. Bicycle sheds are also provided in all rooms.

Nature in the park

The city has extended the green image of the park completely with additional plantings of hedge plants and trees. In the final phase, no less than 13,610 hedge plants and 867 trees were added. 

The city opted for a mix of willows and alders, ornamental trees such as cherry trees and powerful indigenous tree species such as oak and ash. The different types of trees each have their own function. 

For example, the willows and alders stand on the edge between the green joints and rooms as a demarcation. Closer to the hiking trails are the cherry trees, which give beautiful blossoms in the spring. There were also wadis, which naturally collect the rainwater along the hiking trails.

Alderman for Green Els van Doesburg (N-VA): “With Park Groot Schijn, the people of Antwerp get a project that they can really be proud of. Step by step we have succeeded in turning a patchwork quilt with a jumble of clubs and sports grounds into one beautiful green park. And with this beautiful summer weather, the people of Antwerp can now fully enjoy it.”

Car-free

Park Groot Schijn focuses on nature and recreation. It is therefore a car-free park. The paths are sufficiently sturdy for when emergency services need to be able to drive into the park. All other drivers must park in the central car park between Ruggeveldlaan and the swimming pool.

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