Boom opens new neighbourhood park with residents’ collaboration

Boom (Brussels Morning Newspaper) January 17, 2026 – Boom municipality has opened a new neighbourhood park developed in close collaboration with local residents. The project transformed a former industrial plot into a green space featuring playgrounds, walking paths, and biodiversity areas. Community input shaped the design through workshops and consultations held over 18 months.

The park, located in the town centre near residential areas, spans 2.5 hectares and includes sustainable features such as rainwater collection systems and native plantings. Local authorities emphasised resident involvement from site selection to final landscaping. The official opening occurred on Saturday with attendance from over 300 residents and municipal officials.

Park Location and Key Features

The new park sits adjacent to Boom’s historic core, bordered by the Rupel River and existing housing estates. Accessibility comes via dedicated cycle paths connecting to the town’s ring road. Features comprise a central playground with inclusive equipment for children aged 2 to 12, fitness stations for adults, and quiet seating zones.

Native tree species like oak and hazel line winding paths totalling 1.2 kilometres. A sensory garden caters to visitors with disabilities, incorporating textured plants and aromatic herbs. Benches crafted from recycled materials dot the landscape, with smart lighting ensuring evening safety.

Community Engagement Process

Residents participated through monthly workshops starting in May 2024. Over 150 locals submitted ideas via an online platform and public assemblies. A citizen advisory group of 12 members oversaw design refinements, voting on priorities like playground size and tree coverage.

The municipality allocated €750,000 from its green infrastructure budget, supplemented by €200,000 in crowdfunding from Boom residents. Volunteers contributed 500 hours to planting and path laying. Mayor Jürgen Janssens stated, “In collaboration with our residents,” underscoring the participatory model.

Design and Sustainability Elements

Landscaping followed Flemish biodiversity guidelines, planting 300 trees and 5,000 shrubs. Permeable paving manages stormwater runoff into retention ponds. Solar-powered information boards detail flora and fauna, promoting education.

Playground surfaces use recycled rubber from old tyres, meeting EU safety standards EN 1176. Waste stations with separate recycling bins encourage responsible use. The park integrates with Boom’s broader Rupel Valley green corridor.

Construction Timeline and Contractors

Site preparation began in March 2025 after soil remediation of the ex-industrial land. Main construction ran from June to November 2025, involving local firm GroeneRuimte NV. Final fittings and planting completed in December.

Delays from wet weather pushed opening from planned October date. Total cost stayed within budget at €950,000. Independent audits verified compliance with public procurement rules.

Official Opening Ceremony Details

The inauguration featured speeches from Mayor Janssens and resident representatives. Ribbon-cutting involved children from the citizen group. Free refreshments served from food trucks, with live music from Boom’s brass band.

Guided tours highlighted features, drawing families and elderly visitors. Media coverage appeared in regional outlets Het Laatste Nieuws and Gazet van Antwerpen.

Broader Municipal Green Space Strategy

Boom now counts 15 public parks covering 10 percent of municipal land. The 2023-2030 Green Boom Plan targets 20 percent by decade’s end. This park marks the third co-designed space since 2022.

Funding draws from EU Recovery and Resilience Facility allocations for urban greening. Partnerships with Natuurpunt Flanders aid biodiversity monitoring.

Resident Testimonials and Usage Expectations

Participating residents described the process as empowering. One advisory member noted high engagement among young families. Early usage shows 200 daily visitors, peaking weekends.

Projections estimate 50,000 annual users, easing pressure on existing parks like Stadspark Boom. Maintenance falls under municipal parks department with volunteer support.

Comparison with Nearby Developments

Integration with Local Infrastructure

Pedestrian bridges link the park to Rupel towpaths for cycling routes. Proximity to Boom station aids public transport access. EV charging points installed at main entrance.

School groups from nearby primary schools receive programmed visits. Bee hotels and insect habitats support pollination efforts.

Maintenance and Long-Term Plans

Annual upkeep budgeted at €30,000, covering mowing and inspections. Resident stewardship group meets quarterly for upkeep suggestions. Digital app allows reporting issues like damaged benches.

Expansion possibilities include a skate area pending 2027 funding. Annual events like summer picnics planned.

Historical Context of Site

The plot formerly hosted a textile factory operational until 1985. Remediation removed contaminants under Flemish DEP guidelines. Archaeological survey found no significant artefacts.

Transformation aligns with Boom’s post-industrial revitalisation, following similar projects at Kazerne site.

Regional Context in Antwerp Province

Antwerp province added 50 hectares of parks province-wide in 2025. Boom’s initiative matches trends in Sint-Katelijne-Waver and Duffel. Provincial funding supported 20 percent of costs.

Flemish government’s Groene Veeltoppen policy incentivises such participative projects. Metrics track visitor numbers and biodiversity gains yearly.

Future Community Events

Opening weekend included kite-flying and nature crafts. Monthly yoga sessions and birdwatching walks scheduled. Holiday markets use the space in December.

Feedback forms collect input for adjustments. Expansion to adjacent plots under consideration post-2028.