Utrecht is creating a new park along the banks of the Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal and the Merwedekanaal that, once complete, will form a 12-kilometre loop for walking and cycling. The project, so far called Rondje Stadseiland, is being built in phases and is expected to be fully finished in 2035. Residents can now comment on the plans and suggest a new name for the park until 2 October.
What is planned
The park will run as a long green ribbon past Oog in Al, Kanaleneiland and the Merwedekanaal zone, among other areas. The 12-kilometre route connects to the surrounding neighbourhoods, so shorter walks are also possible. It follows roads including Oeverpad, Gelderlantlaan, Rooseveltboulevard, Johan Wagenaarkade, Kanaalweg, Zeehaenkade, Winthontlaan and Noordersluis. A cycling and pedestrian bridge over the canal at Leidsche Rijn will allow people to complete the full route.
To make the park recognisable as one whole, the city drew up a development framework for its design. It sets out, for example, loam-coloured asphalt for the cycle path and the same type of bench throughout.
Why the city is doing it
Utrecht expects to grow by more than 100,000 residents towards 2040, with the western part of the city growing fastest. The municipality says this requires extra space for greenery, water and places for sport, play and relaxation. The park is also meant to support biodiversity, cool the city and let rainwater soak into the ground. Alderman Susanne Schilderman (Public Space and Greenery) said the park would make Utrecht greener and better prepared for the future.
Progress and next steps
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Stadsstrand Oog in Al completed (part 12, the northern tip) | 2019 |
| City council adopts the development framework | 15 September 2022 |
| Council letter on the 2024-2026 implementation programme | 8 October 2024 |
| Expected completion of the whole park | 2035 |
Parts currently being developed are the Johan Wagenaarkade and Den Hommel park zones, and the banks along the Kanaalweg from the Nelson Mandelabrug to the Socratesbrug, which are part of the Merwedekanaal zone development. The city links work on the park to ongoing projects along the route. For that reason, the schedule is not yet known for all parts.