Makeover for Guys Square in Roeselare

With the renovation, the City of Roeselare wanted to continue to use Kerelsplein as the largest playground in Roeselare and it had to be ensured that the site was optimally suitable for playground activities, but also for the other users of the site, such as tenants of the various buildings, young people, local residents (with children) and by extension all residents of Roeselare.

Six functional and recreational zones

The main play area between the football field and the Collievijverbeek cycle path has been renovated. This zone can be divided into six separate zones: a meeting room/sandbox with sand play equipment, a water playground, the amphitheater, the nursery play zone at the front and 2 play zones. In the main play area there is also a water playground that provides a lot of extra play value with fixed and adjustable elements. At the same time, this playground also highlights the presence of water in and around Kerelsplein, referring to the Collievijverbeek.

Furthermore, some playground equipment has been rearranged, replaced or renewed, such as the existing equipment in the nursery area. For the two to six-year-olds, a double seesaw, carousel, sand device and water element were added. In the play area for the six to twelve year olds there is a swing seesaw, family swing, double cable car, forest house and climbing rock. Attention was also paid to play opportunities for children with disabilities.

The mobility track has also been renewed. The worn plastic pavements were replaced by a solid and durable concrete pavement for cycling, go-karting, scooters and roller skates. The necessary traffic signaling and signage on a child-friendly basis offers a playful educational added value.

Attention to softening, more greenery and water

In the total concept, the necessary attention was paid to softening, more greenery and water. The total share of paving was strongly reduced with 811 m2 less paving. Approximately 1943 m2 of extra greenery was also planted with shrubs, hedge plants and tall trees. The water playground in the main play area is connected to the recently constructed water retention basin on the site.

Part of the rainwater collected from the buildings is used to supply the water playground with water. Together with the water retention basin and the football field, the water playground forms a circular whole, in which the excess rainwater is partly returned to the bottom and only gradually returns to the stream.