03 May 2019
World Urban Parks - World Parks Week interview
We're running a series of articles throughout the World Urban Parks World Parks week (April 27 to May 4 - 2019) to celebrate a Green Flag Award park from many of the countries that we operate in.
Green Flag Award park name
Abraham Ledeboerpark, Enschede
Interviewee
Andre Hardiek, Project Manager
How many years have you held the Green Flag Award?
8 years!
Let’s start by getting to know your park or green space with a brief introduction
This park between Enschede and Hengelo near the University Twente,was formerly part of a larger estate called het Wagelaar. It benefits from large scale landscape design with mature ornamental trees, a serpentine lake, Rhododendrons and lots of historical features. The Abraham Ledeboerpark is like the country side in the city. When you walk in it it feels like the city is fare away. So in the park you can feel like your in the countryside but with the advantage of all that a city has to give.
The people who use our spaces are what brings them to life. Tell us a little bit about your regular visitors and any particular groups or organisations you work with.
This park is used by various types of people. From the dog walker, the runner and the nature reservists. It is also well used by students from the university to study.
Parks and green spaces are constantly evolving. Tell us about any developments or changes that you are working on over the coming year?
There where two big storms the last two years. They destroyed many old trees and lanes. We are restoring these lanes and replant the trees
We’re asking everyone to share their passion for the parks and green spaces during World Parks Week. What key message would you like to give about the importance of parks and green spaces?
Just Enjoy!! Enjoy the green features. Enjoy the birds and the animals around you. Enjoy the flowers and the trees Enjoy working in green spaces. Enjoy people who are enjoying in your green space.
And finally, what does having a Green Flag Award mean to you as a professional and also to the community that use your park or green space?
Having a Green Flag Awarded park gives us an appreciation of the work we do as a team. That we deliver a good product to the people of Enschede en Twente and that is also recognised by other green spaces professionals around the world.
Further information:
You can view Abraham Ledeboerpark's Green Flag Award profile page here and click through to the official parks page to find out more.
