Weizigtpark

Karres en Brands has created a master plan and public space design for the municipality of Dordrecht. The plan area for this park renewal project includes the park, the southern station area, Bird Island with its aviary and the ‘Van Baerleplantsoen’. The user experience of Weizigtpark and the southern station area has suffered for years due to the confusing station location, the poor quality of the space itself, its value for users, occasional flooding and social safety issues. 

As the city has grown and rail user numbers have increased, the southern station entrance has gained an ever more important role. Following its construction, a temporary connection was made to the path structure of the park and an area was created for bicycle storage. However, these changes now no longer reflect this station entrance’s increased use and importance. This is further exacerbated by the old-growth vegetation and Weizigtpark’s current location, which has become less relevant in the city due to intensive use and changes to the original design over the years.

In short, the time is ripe for a redesign of the plan area. The station’s southern entrance will be transformed into an attractive station square that will function as a visitor reception area and a link to Weizigtpark. The major cycling route leading toward the city centre will be upgraded and widened, with a minimal increase to paved surfaces and a reduction of excessive impermeable surfaces. Attractive entrances to the park will be highlighted with special seating areas that invite visitors to spend more time in the park. Street furniture will provide a contemporary yet faithful reference to the area’s history, ensuring cohesion between the various developments. 

Weizigtpark’s water storage capacity will be increased to compensate for the extra paved surfaces and the construction of a bicycle parking facility, as well as to alleviate the current flooding problems. This capacity will be achieved by restoring the water structure of the original design by S.G.A. Doorenbos. Lowering and refurbishing the revetments and installing a new bridge will ensure that visitors can enjoyably experience the former design and its attractive water features.

Clearing out trees in poor health and the thick layer of shrubs that currently obstruct access and movement within the park will restore social safety and old sightlines that ensure an unobstructed view across the park’s main features.