District invests 400,000 euros in Kielpark (Antwerp)
The district of Antwerp will tackle the Kielpark next year with some refurbishment works. For example, the lighting and the basketball court will be renewed. Meanwhile, PVDA Kiel is asking for more ambition from the city and district for the park. “There is a need for more offer for young people,” says Sandra Cnops (PVDA).
Jan Stassins
A number of renovation works are planned in 2022 in the Kiel Park. The district has provided a budget of more than 400,000 euros for, among other things, the renewal of the basketball court, the asphalt paths, the lighting and the central lane. And the football goals in the park will also be replaced.
“The redevelopment of the playground is also planned, although it will only be tackled at the start of the next legislation,” says Tom Van den Borne (Green), district alderman for Parks and Green Facilities. “I recently had a meeting with the young people of the community center in the park. They ask for benches and goals. We are now looking into this, in consultation with the city marine.”
Yet there is also criticism of the way the district handles the park. PVDA wants to show more ambition for both the city and the district. The local branch of the party has had conversations with local residents and the park in recent weeks and above all, what can be done better. “It yields 150 fresh ideas,” says Nadine Peeters, PvdA faction leader in the Antwerp district council. “The park is the only green space in the district, but it is barely used. We therefore ask that the Kielpark be turned into a place where everyone feels at home”.
And the Kielpark mainly lacks an offer for children and young people, according to the survey. “For example, the proposal for a cricket field came up very often, as did outdoor fitness equipment,” says Sandra Cnops of PVDA Kiel. “There is a lot of sports infrastructure here in the park, but only for those who play in a club. We have also heard a lot about the demand for more benches, especially around the playground, as well as better lighting and public toilets. The latter in particular is a great loss. In the summer it is busy here and many families with children also stay in the park. There are toilets in the community center, but they are never open.”
District alderman Van den Borne would also like to see public toilets in the Kielpark. “But we are dependent on the city council for this, which for the time being is only a condition in combination with a catering business. But as a district we would like to provide space for it.”
Following the survey, the PVDA is now starting a petition. “There is a need for a plan with a vision to make the Kielpark the garden of the neighbourhood,” says Nadine Peeters. “A park to play, exercise, enjoy and meet.”