The new Rensenpark, or the old zoo in Emmen, finally seems to have a clear future. After years of planning, the municipality is now making some important decisions.
The city council of Emmen was updated behind closed doors on Tuesday evening about the new course of the park. This followed more than a year of intensive consultation between politicians, entrepreneurs and users.
Proposed cuts
In the revised view ‘View of the Rensenpark ‘, part of previous ambitions is buried. There will be no homes, overnight accommodations and parking spaces in the park. The earlier wishes for iconic buildings, towers and other architectural masterpieces have also been scrapped.
In recent years there were simply not enough funds for its realization and in the meantime the view of the park in the heart of Emmen has changed.
The proposed austerity measures from the town hall seem to have the approval of Emmen residents. In recent months, they were able to give their vision of the future via an online poll and suggestion boxes in the park. The 861 participants overwhelmingly voted for a green recreation park with more nature, animals, sports and culture.
May cost a bit
The municipality wants to renovate, demolish or rebuild the remaining buildings in the park in the coming years. With the current budget for maintenance, municipal real estate can at best be made wind and watertight. Now the mayor and aldermen state that the development of the park ‘may cost something!’.
The landmark places of the park’s history, such as the elephant island, the giraffe stable and winding paths, seem safe from the sledgehammer. Other animal shelters have already been demolished. The former savannah is to become the central meeting place. That will soon not be surrounded by a promenade or penthouses, which was previously the case.
In recent years, the Rensenpark has hovered between nostalgia for the past and an urge to innovate for the future. In the meantime, some facilities were devoured and users and entrepreneurs yearned for clarity.
Criticism of events
Park owner Emmen now wants to take the reins more firmly. The quality team and the park editors are thanked for their services. They are currently advising and assessing construction plans, activities and other initiatives in the park. The municipal council, civil service and aldermen will therefore prefer to do this themselves in the future.
The Rensenpark remains freely accessible to Emmen residents and tourists. Paid events where the entrance gates only open with a ticket are restricted. The municipality says it receives a lot of criticism about long-term, closed and large events in the park and wants to allow only high-quality and appropriate activities from now on. Whether that means the end of the China Lights light sculpture festival at this location is still unclear.
show horses
Nor is it clear what the plans mean for the current city farm, which is in dire financial straits. The council says that a petting zoo fits perfectly in the park, but wonders whether it should be given an old or new look.
The plans for a climbing park through the trees in the Rensenpark seem to fit in with the new vision. The former shark basin as an exhibition space and a sports island in the elephant farm also seem to be among the showpieces of the future. Catering entrepreneurs will soon be able to register for a spot in the park. It must then remain with a snack and a drink, because overnight stays are not allowed.