The new Tondelier park in Gent has officially opened, delighting local children and residents alike. This green space, part of the evolving Tondelier site near Rabot, was inaugurated on 2025-06-11 19:37:00 with much enthusiasm and community involvement. The park’s creation marks a significant milestone in the neighbourhood’s ongoing redevelopment after extensive soil remediation.
- Children celebrate new park opening in Tondelier
- Free ice cream and official park inauguration
- Kids helped design swings and water features
- Soil cleanup cost ten million euros
- Seventy centimeters of soil replaced safely
- Future plans include housing and park expansion
Children from the area, with guidance from vzw Jong, helped shape the park’s design, ensuring it meets their needs. The opening event featured free ice creams and the presence of city officials, including the mayor, highlighting the city’s pride in this new community asset. But what makes this park so special for Gent’s residents?
As the Tondelier site continues to grow, this park is just the beginning of a broader vision for the neighbourhood’s future. Let’s explore why this development matters and what lies ahead for Gent’s urban landscape.
Why invest so heavily in transforming this former industrial site? The answer lies in the city’s commitment to sustainable urban renewal. The park not only provides recreational space but also symbolizes environmental recovery and social inclusion. Key points include:
- The soil remediation cost €10 million, removing 70 cm of contaminated earth to ensure safety.
- Children’s input led to features like individual swings and a shallow water channel with marsh plants.
- Local organisations like vzw Jong continue to advocate for added facilities such as shaded areas and picnic tables.
- The site will expand with new student housing and social rental units, enhancing community diversity.
Looking ahead, Gent’s residents can expect the Tondelier area to flourish further, blending nature and neighbourhood life. Will this spark more community-driven developments across Belgium? For now, the park invites everyone to enjoy its fresh air and playful spirit—why not visit and see the transformation firsthand?
