The gardens of Rotterdam are located all over town. There are parks for simply
taking a stroll in as well as specialised parks, such as the Museum Park. But
they all have one thing in common: peace and quiet! And, of course, they also
serve as venues for festivals. The parks make a splendid and traffic-free backdrop
for songs, dance and poetry.
THE PARK
This name is well chosen.
The Park is a magnificent public urban garden bordering the Nieuwe Maas. It
is enclosed by Parkhaven, Westzeedijk, Westerlaan and Parkkade. It was laid
on the rubble of the bombed-out city and abounds with impressive trees, ponds,
streams and lawns. You will also find several very striking buildings in The
Park, such as the Norwegian sailor's church near Westzeedijk.
Mention should
also be made of the splendid building that now accommodates Parkzicht Restaurant.
A little further into The Park you will find the labyrinth and the Heerenhuys
(mansion), also known as the Heuvel Country Estate. It dates back to 1800. This
estate was added to the Park in 1875. A grand cafe and restaurant are now accommodated
here. But it is along Parkhave, just outside the Park, that you will find the
most unusual and best-known building in Rotterdam, the Euromast tower. The Park
is perfect for a nice stroll or a picnic on one of its sloping lawns.
MUSEUM
PARK
The Museum Park, as the name indicates, is surrounded by several
museums. Along Westzeedijk is Kunsthal (Art Hall) Rotterdam, in the northwest
corner of the park is the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum. Opposite the Chabot
Museum and the Netherlands Architectural Institute are located. This park, which
is small, is open to the public. The various sculptures make the park extremely
attractive.
The Museum Park was designed by the OMA Agency of the famous architect
Rem Koolhaas and opened in 1992. The Park is explicitly artificial. It does
not quite match the ambience of the garden of the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum
and the adjacent rose garden. Behind this section the events grounds for the
Parade and the Open Air Cinema, are situated. Behind these lie the Romantic
Garden and the museum zone.
TROMPENBURG ARBORETUM
The Trompenburg
Arboretum is an extremely attractive pleasure garden, which dates back to 1820.
It hosts a varied collection of trees, bushes, perennials and bulb flowers.
It covers a total of six hectares. Some 50,000 to 60,000 people visit the Trompenburg
Arboretum each year. There is a charge for admission. Paradise in Rotterdam!
KRALINGSE
WOOD
This is by far the largest public park in Rotterdam. It surrounds
the Kralingse Lake so that strollers, joggers and skaters consider it an ideal
location. The word 'wood'is a better description than 'park' since most of the
vegetation consists of trees. Sailing on the lake is a very special experience;
it affords great views of Rotterdam’s skyline. Various types of boats
are for rent at the sailing center. Along the banks of the lake you can enjoy
the view or dine at one of the stylish and charming restaurants.
ZUIDERPARK
This
is a large municipal park located around the Ahoy’ Complex. In the summer
months Zuiderpark is the garden for the thousands of Rotterdammers who live
in Zuid. Extensive fields, ponds and outdoor swimming pools and footpaths make
this an ideal recreational area. A number of sports clubs are located in the
park as well. |
