Genk (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Genk is investing £194,000 to redevelop 12-hectare Molenvijver Park. Spokesperson Kriekemans says conifers are removed, native plants added, wetlands and a canal created to boost biodiversity and recreation.
As VRT News reported, Genk has begun a major redevelopment of Molenvijver Park. The park covers 12 hectares and was originally a marsh before being transformed in the 1960s. It is located near the city centre.
The city has started removing a large number of non-native conifers that stand behind the houses along Molenstraat. Officials say taking out these trees will restore the park’s natural environment and improve biodiversity.
“This should ensure that we get more light into this dark corner of the park,”
explains Kriekemans.
“This will improve safety for walkers and the adjacent properties, as the conifers are in poor condition. This fall, we will be planting new native trees and shrubs at this location, supplemented with flowering shrubs, to enhance the park’s feel. We are also installing new chestnut fencing here.”
How will Genk’s £194K Molenvijver park makeover boost nature and recreation?
A tower crane is being used to lift the felled trees over nearby houses. The trees will then be transported through Molenstraat. Kriekemans, a city spokesperson, said the crane protects walking paths and the surrounding vegetation while keeping residents and park visitors safe.
On the opposite side of the conifer area, Genk has started new ecological projects in Molenvijver Park. Test plots were planted in collaboration with Ghent University. Different sowing and tilling methods are being tested to find the best way to grow plants and support biodiversity.
“This should help us identify the areas with the greatest potential for herbaceous grasslands,”
says Kriekemans.
The city is also creating wetlands and adding carefully planned plantings along the banks to improve colour and attract wildlife. Along the wedding bridge, the annual summer flowers are being replaced with sustainable perennials.
Officials mentioned that these plants need less maintenance and provide food for bees and other pollinators. The city is trying new mowing techniques. For example, the grass along the path to Heempark will be cut less often to allow flowers and herbs to grow naturally.
A major part of the project is the construction of a canal linking 2 ponds. The canal will connect the large Molenviiver, or Mill Pond, with the smaller pond in the centre of the park. The existing lock structure will be removed to let water flow freely. The plan will connect Molenvijver Park to the nearby national park.
“With the Flemish Government Architect, we are indeed exploring how we can connect Molenviverpark to Kattevennen via Heempark,”
says Kriekemans.
“We want to create a green strip, because the three parks are currently too isolated. However, this project is still in the study phase.”
Similar park projects have taken place in Belgium in recent years. In Ghent, Citadel Park was restored between 2016 and 2020. Non-native trees were removed, wetlands were created, and native plants were added to improve biodiversity.
In Antwerp, Park Spoor Noord was redeveloped from 2009 to 2011. An old industrial site was transformed into a green park with ponds, wetlands, and diverse plantings. Playgrounds and walking paths were also added.
