Discover the New Decking Trail and Ecological Upgrade

Plank Path Vrijbroekpark: Vrijbroekpark in Mechelen has undergone an impressive transformation over the past year, particularly around the beautiful two-hectare park pond. The renovation was much needed and went hand in hand with an ambitious ecological upgrading project.

Official opening plank path Provincial Green Estate Vrijbroekpark Mechelen Belgium
Official opening plank path Provincial Green Estate Vrijbroekpark Mechelen Belgium
@Verschueren Eddy

On Wednesday, the area around the pond was officially opened by Mireille Colson, deputy in charge of Recreation and Green Areas in the Province of Antwerp, together with first alderman Patrick Princen and director of Vrijbroek Park Lieve Stoops.

Ecology and Recreation hand in hand

Mireille Colson at opening of Vondelpad Vrijbroekpark Mechelen
Mireille Colson at opening of Vondelpad Vrijbroekpark Mechelen
@Verschueren Eddy

Because ecology and recreation go hand in hand in the Vrijbroek Park, investments were also made in the visitor experience with, as an eye-catcher, a boardwalk across the pond. “The Province of Antwerp invested 735,500 euros in the park pond and received a project subsidy of 235,560 euros from the Agency for Nature and Forests within the project call Nature 2020 Project Subsidies ” says representative Mireille Colson,

The costs for the study work and implementation of the work total nearly one million euros. At the grand opening, the ambitious changes were officially presented to press and general public.

Opening of Plank Path in Vrijbroek Park Mechelen Belgium
from left to right Lieve Stoops, Mireille Colson and Maarten VanwesemaelVanwesemael
Opening of Plank Path in Vrijbroek Park Mechelen Belgium
from left to right Lieve Stoops, Mireille Colson and Maarten Vanwesemael

Among other things, leaf fall and fishermen throwing in various things created a layer that is very nutrient-rich, but it caused the pond to sour. In the summer we had a green soup that came to the surface“, says Maarten Vanwesemael, person in charge of the park management team.

Highlight: The Renewed Plank Path

One of the most striking innovations is the construction of a plank path no less than 110 meters long, which takes visitors across the water and connects the different banks of the pond. The decking path is a real eye-catcher and offers a unique walking experience. From now on, visitors can discover, walk on and enjoy the enchanting surroundings of this beautiful decking path. “It is the showpiece that takes visitors across the water“, says Deputy Colson. The bike and walking path connects two banks.

Plank path new crowd pleaser in Vrijbroekpark Mechelen Belgium
Plank path new crowd pleaser in Vrijbroekpark Mechelen Belgium
@Verschueren Eddy

Ecological Upgrade: A New Opportunity for Flora and Fauna

In addition to renovating the pond itself, much attention was paid to improving its ecological conditions. The sometimes 50 cm thick layers of silt that had accumulated in the pond over 30 years have been thoroughly removed. In addition, the water quality has been significantly improved, so that the flora and fauna in and around the pond now have more opportunities to flourish. These renovation works were carried out in collaboration with PIDPA, using the sludge as a valuable raw material for the future plant filter zones.

Opening plank path over Great Pond in Provincial Green Estate Vrijbroek Park in city of Mechelen Belgium
Opening plank path over Great Pond in Provincial Green Estate Vrijbroek Park in city of Mechelen Belgium
@Verschueren Eddy

The nice sight axes you have here now reinforce the visual link between the front and back canal“, says Maarten Vanwesemael.

Those plant filters, by the way, are not the only ecological interventions to start and hold the pond’s recovery. “The northern banks of the front and back canal will be transformed into more gentle banks with more native riparian herbs and more favorable conditions for everything that lives in and around the pond,” explains Maarten Vanwesemael of the Vrijbroek Park. “In the ‘Wilgernis,’ we created a wetland landscape with ten new amphibian pools and a kingfisher wall along the moat.

Natural Experience: Sunbathing, Fishing and Skating

The renovated pond area offers numerous opportunities for recreation. Visitors can relax on several renovated jetties, enjoy the sun or cast a rod for fishing.

New plank path and other renovations make Vrijbroek Park town of Mechelen even more beautiful
New plank path and other renovations make Vrijbroek Park town of Mechelen even more beautiful
@Verschueren Eddy

Water Buffer and Ecological Measures: For a Sustainable Park

Besides the renovation of the pond and the construction of the plank path, other important steps have been taken to make Vrijbroekpark more sustainable and to protect nature. Adjustable weirs have been built, making it possible to buffer water in the pond area and the adjacent area, the‘Wilgernis‘, during wet periods. This helps prevent flooding and ensures a healthy water balance in the park.

In addition, the park has invested in rainwater harvesting during heavy downpours. In this way, efforts are made to retain as much rainwater as possible in the Vrijbroek Park. This contributes to replenishing the groundwater level and helps protect the environment during dry periods. These measures also contribute to the restoration of the Vrijbroek Park as a valley area of the Zenne River.

Fish Friendly Environment: A Healthy Fish Stock

To improve the fish stock in the pond, a more suitable composition of fish species was chosen. In the past, there was an abundance of carp and bream, resulting in an unbalanced ecosystem with problems such as algal blooms and fish mortality. To remedy this, the new fish stock was adapted to the natural characteristics of the pond. Roach, perch and pike have been selected as the main species, better suited to shallow stagnant waters in the region. This ensures a healthier and more balanced fish stock.

Enjoy and relax in Mechelen nature close to the city

Visit the Vrijbroekpark and discover for yourself the wonderful innovations and harmony between nature and recreation. The park offers an ideal opportunity to enjoy a relaxing day in nature, surrounded by greenery and water.

Banks of Park pond Vrijbroekpark Mechelen (Belgium) renewed
Banks of Park pond Vrijbroekpark Mechelen (Belgium) renewed
@Verschueren Eddy

Walk along the plank path and be enchanted by the view of the pond and the surrounding nature. The path takes you past breathtaking scenery and offers unique photo opportunities. Take time to pause on one of the jetties and enjoy the peace and serenity that the water exudes.

For fishing enthusiasts, there is now once again the opportunity to cast their rod in the renovated pond. Whether you are an experienced fisherman or just want to relax by the water, the pond provides an excellent environment for a day of fishing.

Explore the expansive green lawns, picnic under the shade of the trees or visit the nearby children’s playground. The park offers an ideal setting for families, groups of friends and nature lovers.

Skating in the Wilgernis

And don’t forget to visit Vrijbroek Park in winter, too. When temperatures drop and the pond freezes, the park turns into an enchanting spectacle. Strap on your skates and glide across the ice of the large shallow pond in the “Wilgernis. It’s a unique experience you don’t want to miss.

In short, the renovated Vrijbroekpark is an oasis of peace and nature in the heart of Mechelen. Come and experience for yourself the magic of the rafting path, the beautiful pond and the ecological upgrading. The park welcomes you to enjoy a wonderful day of relaxation and wonder.

Plan your visit and be enchanted by the beauty of the Vrijbroek Park! Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the special moments. Whether you come for hiking, fishing, skating or just enjoying nature, Vrijbroek Park offers something for everyone.

New jetties and bridges in Vrijbroekpark Mechelen
New jetties and bridges in Vrijbroekpark Mechelen
@Verschueren Eddy
Discover the video about the renovation works here. Also, don’t miss the next vlog after the works !
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Copyright Verschueren Eddy

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Text, photos and video Verschueren Eddy (Mechelen at its Best / Traveltopper)

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