City of Hengelo

Background

Hengelo with a population of over 80,000 is situated in the eastern Netherlands.

The project is looking at the Weusthag area (200 ha), is a sizable green space area surrounded by dense built neighbourhood. The park provides much needed space for sports and recreation and has specific status as a water protection area.

The aim of developing the Weusthag Park, as the Park of Connection was to build a connecting space between city neighbourhoods rather than the area being a dividing space to local communities.

The project aimed to:

Improve the social value of the Weusthag and make better use of the opportunities presented by this urban fringe area to increase the quality of life for citizens living close by. Specifically, the project wanted to deliver a landscape park, that would be well maintained and used by a diverse range of people for different purposes, such as nature, sports, culture and education. Increased social importance for this urban fringe area will help protect its future role in the city.

This was done by:

• Improving recognition, attractiveness and engagement with the project area.
  
  
• Branding for the Weusthag, as the "Park of Connection".
  
  
• Bringing the right partners together to improve access and implement physical activities.
  
  
• Raising awareness through events. An annual "Weusthag Day" has been established with a variety of activities in the park to encourage local people to make better use of this space.
  
  
• Communication measures including a website, social media and welcome signage to engage local residents and visitors to the park and its facilities.
  
  
• The "Friends of Het Weusthag" Foundation has been set up to inolve local people in the park future and decision making.
  
  
• Dredging and redevelopment of natural islands in the Houmaatvijver pond in the park.