Forest’s beloved green spaces, Parc Duden and the smaller adjoining Parc Jupiter, are set to undergo significant upgrades as part of a €5.5 million renovation project announced this week by Beliris. The initiative, designed in collaboration with the municipality of Forest and Brussels Environment, will take place over two years.
The renovation aims to address long-standing flooding issues in Parc Duden while preserving its historic character. Meanwhile, Parc Jupiter will see the development of new sports and playground facilities, transforming the area into a more family-friendly recreational space.
Work has already begun with the restoration of the panoramic viewpoint in Parc Duden. The area will be temporarily closed to the public while new benches and amenities are installed, allowing visitors to enjoy improved views once the work is complete.
One of the major changes in Parc Jupiter will take place at the bottom of the stairs connecting Besme and Jupiter avenues. Here, a climbing wall, new sports equipment, and additional play structures will be added. A large slide will also enhance the playground, creating a dynamic space for children.
Parc Duden, spanning 33 hectares with rolling hills, wooded paths, and scenic viewpoints, is particularly prone to flooding during heavy rainfall. To combat this, Beliris is introducing lawns and infiltration zones that will allow rainwater to permeate the soil more effectively.
Eroded paths and embankments within the park will also be restored. The improvements aim to regulate water flow while maintaining the park’s natural charm, ensuring that visitors can enjoy the park safely, even during wet conditions.
Beliris emphasized that the renovations will not disrupt the historical character of Parc Duden. Since its listing in 1973, the park has been considered a cultural landmark. Several small plots will be redeveloped to enhance their heritage value, and most of the park’s pathways will be restored to improve visitor access.
A new playground will be constructed at the bottom of Parc Duden, carefully designed to maintain open views of the surrounding plain. Additionally, areas near Rue du Tournoi, Villa Mosselman, and Duden Castle will be redeveloped to improve connections with the surrounding neighborhoods.
The small square in front of Villa Mosselman will also undergo a makeover. The existing paving will be replaced with recycled cobblestones, three new trees will be planted, and the connection to the Arbre-Bouteille lawn will be restored. This redesign is intended to create a versatile space suitable for relaxation, social gatherings, and family activities.
Other minor improvements across Parc Duden include upgrades to entrances and the esplanade. Embankments will be planted with greenery, and benches and picnic tables will be installed, ensuring a welcoming environment for visitors of all ages.
Beliris stressed that the project is not a full-scale renovation but a series of targeted interventions. These changes are designed to make both Parc Duden and Parc Jupiter more attractive, accessible, and prepared for the future.
The group emphasized that all work is being carried out with respect for the parks’ historical heritage, preserving their individuality while providing new opportunities for enjoyment.
For families and sports enthusiasts, Parc Jupiter will become a hub for activity. The new climbing wall and sports equipment are aimed at encouraging physical activity, while the expanded playground will provide a safe and fun environment for children.
Environmental considerations are central to the project. By introducing infiltration zones and restoring paths, Beliris aims to mitigate flooding risks while promoting sustainable park management. Visitors will eventually enjoy a safer, more pleasant environment with improved natural water regulation.
Local residents have long appreciated Parc Duden for its scenic views and peaceful walking paths. The renovations will enhance these experiences while adding practical solutions to environmental challenges, such as flooding, that have affected the park in recent years.
Once completed, the project will provide Forest with a rejuvenated green lung, offering modern amenities for sports, play, and leisure while preserving the historic charm of Parc Duden and Parc Jupiter.
Beliris concluded by emphasizing that the park renovations reflect a broader commitment to combining heritage preservation with modern urban planning. By carefully integrating new features and improving water management, both parks will remain vital community spaces for generations to come.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
