Park Lingezegen

The rural area between the towns of Arnhem and Nijmegen is threatened by urban spread, development of industrial areas and infrastructure. Park Lingezegen counteracts this by offering options for recreation, ecology and water management. The result is a regional landscape park of 1700 ha, of which approximately 550 ha have been developed to create an accessible and attractive area for its inhabitants.

The design is inspired by the typical characteristics of the surrounding landscape. Each of the five parts of Park represent specific elements of that landscape. The 550 ha back-bone of the park consists of a network of scenic routes with facilities, plantings and nature areas. The outstanding design of the outdoor furniture joins the different parts of Park Lingezegen and makes visitors clear that they are in the park. The back-bone is the fundament for further development by volunteers, local users and entrepreneurs.

De Park - This part of the park, in between Arnhem and Elst, resembles a traditional city park. The design is based on the lay-out of the grounds and lanes of former castle “De Parck”. The square of the house is now a festival area; the reconstructed lanes connect the area with the surrounding landscape. A special feature in this area is the 5 km circular path, that invites active recreation such as running and inline-skating. Orchards, small woodlands and watercourses surround the path, constituting a landscape mosaic.

Het Waterrijk - Het Waterrijk is a new wetland area with reed-marshes, wet meadows and forests. In the eastern part of Het Waterrijk the main functions are nature development, water storage and bird-watching. The eastern part offers more opportunities for recreational activities (walking, cycling, canoeing) and is connected to an existing beach and recreation area.

De Woerdt - De Woerdt is situated nearby the new housing development of Nijmegen-Lent. Close to the forelands of the Waal river, an “urban estate” is developing along the layout of lush lanes and woodlands. A local cooperative manages a series of permaculture fields there, deploying local volunteers and selling products from the land. Right from the start, the (new) inhabitants of Nijmegen-Lent and Bemmel discovered the area.

Het Landbouwland and De Buitens - Agricultural use is the main theme in this central area in the park. The landscape is characterised by (former) farmsteads and offers open views to the hills around Arnhem and Nijmegen. Consolidating the agricultural use of the area will keep the landscape’s open character. Former plantings along historic roads are restored and redeveloped for recreational use. Small “pocket-parks” enhance the attractiveness of the area.

Authors: Design: Berdie Olthof and Nanne Bouma (Feddes|Olthof Landschapsarchitecten - Masterplan and De Woerdt); Jeroen Bosch and Tim de Weerd (Veenenbos en Bosch Landschapsarchitecten - Het Waterrijk); Abe Veenstra Landschapsarchitect - De Park; Astrid Harsveld, M
Photo Credit: Photo 1-5 Jeroen Bosch Photo 6: Landlab Landscape Architects
Country: Netherlands