The possibility of housing and parking spaces in the Rensenpark in Emmen has been put to a final line. There will also be no overnight addresses or other accommodation in the park. However, the municipality wants to give room to more catering. These are the main adjustments of the revised vision for the Rensenpark.
Last year, the municipality determined that the ambitions for the Rensenpark were too ambitious. Emmen bet fairly high in 2017. A ‘unique green city park’ had to be created with room for ‘iconic’ and innovative, glass-rich architecture. It was not possible to generously pull out the wallet yourself.
A year after launching the course for the Rensenpark, Emmen was on the eve of a tough round of cuts. Emmen residents, the municipal executive, the municipal council and other stakeholders contributed to the new course for the park.
The main conclusion is that everyone wants to keep a beautiful green park in the center of Emmen. A place to relax or go for a nice walk is the general picture. Something that many residents also agree with, according to a survey that the municipality has conducted about the park. In that case, greenery, more nature, plants, trees and animals are at the top of the wish list.
The municipality is open to a possible expansion of the number of catering establishments. The number of benches, picnic areas and sports and play areas may also be increased.
The municipality considers the realization of iconic buildings, as stated in the original vision, to be too ambitious and not necessarily necessary. “We are moving away from the idea of only realizing architectural and iconic buildings and towers in the park.” The current buildings will be renovated in phases, demolished or replaced by new construction.
The municipality has noticed that there is a lot of criticism of major and long-term events in the park. “We therefore prefer high-quality events that fit in the park,” said the municipality. “In addition, we think it is important that the public character of the park is preserved, so that everyone can use it.”
It is not known whether this mindset will have consequences for China Lights, which will last several months.
According to the municipality, the further development of the park may cost a bit, but at the same time it states that there is currently only money for making the buildings in the park wind and watertight. Maintenance resources are limited. A substantial investment is therefore required to give the park a substantial boost.
For example, in the past there were plans to build a boulevard around the savannah and to realize an exercise park on the former elephant island. Whether and when these ideas will still be implemented is not stated in the vision.