Future Proof Places #2: Singelpark

After ten years of discussion, planning and the construction of five new bridges, Leiden has opened its unique never-ending park. It is possible to walk non-stop along the green canal ring surrounding the city center. With its 6km length, it is the longest city park in Holland. The Singelpark is the result of a successful, long-lasting collaboration between the citizens of Leiden and its municipality. Disguised as tourists we took a tour and found out why this is such a unique initiative.

History lessons from local tour guide Paula.

Clearly, our passionate and ‘Leidse’ tour guide Paula knows her history. She goes right at it upon arrival at the Zijlpoort, historically the most important entry to the city. ‘Did you know that Leiden used to be the most important city in The Netherlands?’ In the next two hours we walk from the Zijlpoort to the Beestenmarkt (about one third of the route) while Paula beautifully blends the rich city history, with her own experiences of growing up in Leiden.

We visit the house of a 16th century ‘boomsluiter’, who had the responsible task to close off the waterway using a heavy chain of logs every single night. We find out that no one liked the bread of the Leidse bread factory. ‘LBF: niet te vreten en klef’ (inedibile and soggy). Also, we discover that in the 19th century, most military strongholds were replaced and received new functions such as cemeteries (RK Begraafplaats Zijlpoort), windmills (Molen de Valk), city parks (Plantsoen) and factories (The Meelfabriek).

As born and raised ‘Leidenaars’ it’s a nice, educational, but also slightly embarrassing tour; there is so much we don’t know about our own city! Luckily, we are not the only ones learning from Paula’s history lessons. Moreover, the route is marked by symbols and signs, explaining more about the historic buildings and botanic life along the way.

Created, used & maintained by residents.

Tour guide Paula works as a volunteer for the foundation ‘Vrienden van het Singelpark’, (‘Friends of the Singelpark’). Roughly ten years ago, this organization kickstarted the idea to connect the existing parks and transform them into the ‘longest, most beautiful and exciting city park in Holland’.

Within the foundation, concerned citizens, local companies and government officials started working together to support this dream. By dividing the park in segments, using local commissions, trust was built and ownership grew. The ‘friends’ of the Singelpark eventually survived multiple political legislatures, realized a multimillion-euro-project and still work together on planning, planting, maintenance and management.

Founding father Jeroen Maters is happy to see it all coming together. “I was just a regular citizen with a good idea. And the idea was that this would be created by Leidenaars, used by Leidenaars, but also maintained and programmed by the people from Leiden.”

Singelpark now finished?

We see inspired residents painting electricity houses in the park and adding green to their own properties. We discover a crowded outdoor gym, realized by students from the local sports academy. After every step, we discover a new example of the Singelpark’s impact on the city and the successful relationship with its citizens.

With its recent opening, is the park then finally finished? No, says Paula. At some points you still have to deviate from the canal ring. The initiative also kickstarts new developments such as the upgrade of the opposite (outer) side of the canal ring. “Maybe the Singelpark will never be finished, it can always be extended, made more beautiful!”