Bogaardplein urban park in Rijswijk

Location Rijswijk, Netherlands

Client / operator Municipality of Rijswijk

Landscape architects DELVA Landscape Architects NL – 1018 BE Amsterdam www.delva.la

Author DELVA Photos Sebastian van Damme Official opening Spring 2022

FROM A STONY DESERT TO A LIVELY GREEN CITY PARK

BOGAARDPLEIN URBAN PARK IN RIJSWIJK

From a stony desert to lively green city park, the radical transformation of the Bogaardplein is the long awaited kick-off for the further development of the Rijswijk city centre “In De Bogaard”. Structural greening is the starting point for optimising the liveability and resilience of the city. By interweaving as much nature as possible with the functional aspects of the city park as a social hub, a place to meet, relax, play, and practice sports, sustainable objectives for the city will also be achieved. These include climate adaptation – the ability to resist heat stress and collect rainwater – and the promotion of biodiversity, health, and wellbeing.

The new city park is situated on top of the existing parking garage and has a sloping surface with a great diversity of greenery, from large trees and shrubs to flowering plants and grasses. Attractive paved circulation areas meander around it, connecting the various functions of the park. This creates a traffic space for cyclists and pedestrians like an oxygen-rich oasis, with constantly changing views. On the way to the shopping area, or crossing the city park by bike, this new city landscape invites you to take a deep breath and enjoy a moment of pure greenery. The city park is also a destination in itself, an attractive retreat for young and old, for healthy exercise and daily relaxation.

Oasis in the city A loop-shaped route runs through the park, with various sports and games facilities, areas for picnicking, sunbathing, and taking in the shade. A spacious terrace with an amphitheatre and a new water element invite for fun and relaxation. Children can play safely on hot days while their supervisors relax on a bench. Rijswijk has a weekly organic market in this new city park, connecting the old functionality of the Bogaardplein and its adjacent shopping area with the city‘s healthy, green future strategy. A contemporary city park By redefining the existing character of the place and bringing more greenery into the centre of Rijswijk, the city park responds to contemporary issues of climate adaptation, biodiversity and health and wellbeing for the future. The park‘s functions were revitalised, while new activities have found their place in the city park. The former water basin was replaced by a theatre of fountains. In winter, the water element can make way for a paved flexible central square space for other activities and events, such as an ice rink or a Christmas market.