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Stadspark Aalst: A Green Oasis in the City

Discover tranquility in Aalst's verdant heart: Stadspark, a historic green space offering recreation and natural beauty near the city center.

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Escape the urban hustle at Stadspark Aalst, a 15-hectare green space south of the city center. Designed as an 'artificial nature domain' in the early 20th century, the park offers winding paths, diverse tree species, fishing ponds, and historical structures like the Melkhuisje café. It's a tranquil retreat for locals and tourists alike.

A brief summary to Stadspark Aalst

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning for a peaceful experience and to enjoy the fresh air.
  • Bring a picnic blanket and snacks to fully enjoy the park's serene atmosphere.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring all that the park has to offer.
  • Check the park's schedule for any special events or festivals that might be happening during your visit.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Grote Markt (Main Square), walk towards the statue of the town's founder and take Korte Zoutstraat. Follow this street as it curves and becomes Dendermondsesteenweg. Walk straight for approximately 700 meters until you reach Parklaan. Turn left onto Parklaan, and you will see Stadspark Aalst after a short walk. The walk from Grote Markt takes approximately 10-15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From Aalst train station, take bus line 213 towards Aalst Station Perron 5 and alight at the Aalst Park stop. The bus ride takes approximately 10 minutes. From the Aalst Park stop, the park entrance is a short walk away. Alternatively, check local bus schedules for other bus lines that stop at 'Parklaan' or 'Blanckaertdreef', which are also close to the park. A single bus fare is around €3. De Lijn also offers a Flex service in the Aalst region, which replaces the Dial-a-bus. You can book a ride via the De Lijn Flex app and pay with a De Lijn Flex ticket (€3).

  • Parking

    Paid parking is available at Kroonparking in the Zonnestraat, a short walk from the park. Parking Keizershallen on Beekveldstraat is another option, costing €4.50 for a full day. Be aware of parking zones and tariffs to avoid fines.

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Discover more about Stadspark Aalst

Stadspark Aalst, also known as Park Schepen De Wolf or Groot Park, is a captivating green space located a short distance from Aalst's city center. Conceived as an 'artificial nature domain' with both recreational and educational functions, the park spans approximately 15 hectares, offering a serene escape from the urban environment. The park's origins trace back to the early 20th century, a period marked by economic hardship. In 1915, Alderman Désiré De Wolf spearheaded the park's creation as a public works project to provide income for unemployed men. Landscape architect Louis-Julien Breydel designed the park, transforming a portion of the Osbroek marshland into a picturesque landscape. The park officially opened to the public on July 1, 1916, quickly becoming a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. Stadspark Aalst is renowned for its diverse collection of trees, with over 100 different species represented. Walking through the park is like traversing a living arboretum, where visitors can admire a wide array of trees from around the world. The park's design incorporates winding paths that meander through lush greenery, creating a sense of exploration and discovery. Two fishing ponds, the Ballonvijver (Balloon Pond) and the Spiegelvijver (Mirror Pond), add to the park's tranquil atmosphere, offering peaceful spots for relaxation and reflection. Several original structures from the park's early days remain, adding to its historical charm. The Melkhuisje, or milk house, is a particularly notable feature. Dating back to 1916, it originally served as a place where milk products were sold. Today, it functions as a café, offering refreshments and light meals with scenic views of the park. Other original structures include a card house, a garden house, and a bridge, all of which evoke the atmosphere of the early 20th century. In addition to its natural beauty and historical features, Stadspark Aalst offers a range of recreational opportunities. Anglers can enjoy fishing in the park's ponds, and numerous benches and shaded areas offer places to sit and relax. The park also boasts diverse play areas, including a toddler's playground, a skatepark, and a hedge maze. The park's location, south of the city center and bordered by Parklaan, Désiré De Wolfstraat, and Erembodegemstraat, makes it easily accessible. It merges with the Osbroek nature reserve to the south, creating a continuous green corridor.

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