Aalter (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Aalter, Maldegem, and ANB approved a 110-space Pilkem parking lot in Drongengoedbos. Meulebrouck highlights safer traffic, reduced illegal parking, and improved visitor access to the 750-hectare forest.
As VRT News reported, Aalter, Maldegem, and ANB, all partners, have reached an agreement to solve the parking problems at Drongengoedbos, the largest continuous forest in East Flanders. The forest covers 750 hectares and stretches across Aalter and Maldegem. More and more people are visiting Drongengoedbos to walk and cycle, which has caused repeated issues with illegal parking.
Previously, officials considered building a 2nd parking lot next to the Krakeel parking area, which has 55 spaces, and closing Drongengoedweg to through traffic.
“That proposal wouldn’t provide sufficient guarantees for sufficient parking spaces on the Maldegem side of the forest,”
they argued at the time.
How will Aalter’s new 110-space Pilkem parking improve Drongengoedbos?
The new plan has now been approved by Aalter, Maldegem, and the Agency for Nature and Forests (ANB). A 2nd parking lot, called Pilkem parking, will be built on the Ursel side in Aalter. Drongengoedweg will become a one-way street. This will allow visitors to drive easily from the often-full Krakeel parking lot in Maldegem to the new Pilkem parking lot.
“Two-way traffic there is too dangerous,”
says Meulebrouck of ANB,
“because traffic has to cross, and that is sometimes unsafe for vulnerable road users. There will also be less traffic through the valuable natural area. And the verges will be better protected.”
The municipalities will handle inspections and enforcement to ensure visitors park legally and safely. The Ministry of Defence is providing the land for the new parking lot. The existing POL and Krakeel parking areas are also located on military grounds.
The Agency for Nature and Forests (ANB) will build the new Pilkem parking lot, which will have space for 110 vehicles and is expected to be completed by next summer. The permit has already been issued, and the project is estimated to cost €400,000.
Pilkem will be developed as a green parking lot, featuring a semi-paved surface, trees, and other greenery. A small section of additional woodland has also been added to the site. ANB manages the nature reserve and stresses that proper parking and traffic flow are part of creating a good visitor experience.
“We want visitors to enjoy nature. A well-planned parking policy helps ensure smooth traffic and proper facilities. We are very pleased to have reached this milestone,”
said Meulebrouck.
The parking issue at Drongengoedbos dates back several years as visitor numbers steadily increased, leading to illegal parking and congestion. In 2023, authorities began exploring solutions, including creating a second parking lot near Krakeel and restricting through traffic on Drongengoedweg. 2 months ago, Maldegem rejected the plan. They said it would not provide enough parking on their side of the forest and would leave visitors without proper options.
