Maria Hendrikapark

The Challenge

Originally created in the 19th century as a leisure space for Ostend’s bourgeoisie, Maria Hendrikapark had, by the late 20th century, fallen behind modern urban needs. The park suffered from poor accessibility, weak connections to surrounding neighborhoods, deteriorated infrastructure, neglected forest management, and limited recreational facilities. The challenge was to restore the park’s historical identity while meeting contemporary expectations—enhancing connectivity, diversifying uses, and reintegrating the park into the daily life of Ostend’s residents.

The Solution

Tractebel’s design preserved the park’s distinctive structure around its three ponds while redefining each area to reflect its unique character. The Queen’s Pond became the main recreational hub, the Mirror Lake was enhanced with formal landscaping, and the Rabbit Pond prioritized ecological development with elevated wooden pathways. Key interventions included a new main entrance at the velodrome with ramps, stairs, and a sitting staircase, as well as a suspension bridge to improve connectivity. The path network was redesigned to combine historical alignments with modern usability, and new amenities—benches, picnic zones, and sunbathing spots—were added to create a welcoming environment.

The Impact

The revitalization of Maria Hendrikapark has transformed it into an accessible, multifunctional urban space that serves a diverse population. Improved infrastructure and new amenities have made the park more inviting, while ecological enhancements strengthen biodiversity and climate resilience. By blending historical character with modern functionality, the project has reestablished the park as a cherished destination for relaxation, recreation, and community life, reinforcing its role in Ostend’s urban fabric.