This is why the walking and cycling paths in the Westerpark have been closed for more than two months

A large part of the cycling and walking paths in the Westerpark have been closed for more than two months. Many hikers and cyclists wonder what is happening in the park and why the closure is taking so long. indebuurt investigates.

The Rijnland Water Board wants to realize new waterways in the Bossenpark in the Meerzicht district (along the Jagersbos) and on the north side of the Westerpark. Preparatory work started on Monday 29 August. The closure of the trails will last until Friday 11 November at 4 p.m.

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Water brimming with phosphates

With the new watercourse, the municipality wants to improve the water quality in the Zoetermeerse Plas (near the Noord Aa) and the waterways in the city. Rijnland will ensure that the direction of the water system is reversed. Until now, nutrient-rich rain and ditch water has flowed from a large part of the city to the Zoetermeerse Plas. The water at the Noord Aa is therefore full of phosphates, which means that there is often blue-green algae in the summer. The municipality wants to tackle the blue-green algae in order to be able to continue swimming in the lake.

New waterways for a different flow direction

The supply of phosphate-rich water to the Zoetermeerse Plas can be reduced by not draining the water from the city to the lake, but towards the Driemanspolder pumping station. For this new plan, new waterways must therefore be dug near the Jagersbos and on the north side of the Westerpark. But measures are also being taken in several places in Zoetermeer to reverse the flow direction of the water.

Insects and plants for good water quality

It is of course not the case that the phosphate-rich water has to end up in other places. To prevent this, nature-friendly banks will be created at the same time with various plants with a filtering effect. For example, it can provide a nice place for different species of birds, fish, amphibians and dragonflies that ensure better water quality. Reversing the water system also ensures that there is more flow in the waterways which also improves the water.

Would you like to know more about the plans or register for the information meetings on 13 and 19 September 2022? then click here.