Natuurpunt Schijnvallei is concerned about the World Cup village ‘Belgians in Boelaer’ in the Te Boelaer Park in Borgerhout, Antwerp. The Red Devils’ first match against Egypt will be played on Monday and an estimated 7,000 supporters are expected there. According to Natuurpunt, the capacity of the neighborhood park is insufficient for so many people. “It is not our ambition to organize the biggest event.”
Regional journalist at HLN
The association refers to the management plan of the Te Boelaer Park from 2017. It describes the area as ‘a park of and for the neighborhood’ and also states that only neighborhood-related, local events are allowed. According to the association, a World Cup village with a capacity of 7,000 visitors exceeds that neighborhood function. Natuurpunt therefore fears an excessive influx of supporters and damage to lawns, shrubs and animals.
Other locations
Although local traders support the World Cup village, Natuurpunt believes that the event is too big to be considered a neighborhood activity. “With a capacity of 7,000 visitors and communication about ‘the largest World Cup village in the city’, the association fears that supporters from all over Antwerp will come to the park,” it says.
“We allow everyone to support the Red Devils during the World Cup, but we do not think the park is the suitable location for this,” Natuurpunt said. “There are plenty of other paved locations in the city that can handle such a mass without causing damage to the already scarce green areas in the city.”
“7,000 people present at the same time will cause soil compaction. People will also use the bushes and shrubs as elephant paths or for wildlife puddles. That impact will certainly be significant. Due to the late hour of some matches, there will also be a disruption of the fauna, which is normally at rest at that time,” says Rebekka Deleu of Natuurpunt at ATV.
“Well prepared”
District Mayor Mariam El Osri (Green) emphasizes that the event is specifically aimed at the neighborhood. “It is not our ambition to organize the largest event, but to enable a safe and connecting event for the neighborhood. During the previous edition we welcomed many more Borgerhout residents than expected. That is precisely why we want to be even better prepared this year and organize everything carefully.”
According to El Osri, the event will be limited to the planned event zone in the park and clear agreements have been made. “Because the agreements with the green department were properly followed, the site remained in good condition after the previous edition. The green department can confirm this. If necessary, restorative steps will be taken.”