city parks

Apeldoorn is a city in the Netherlands that grew up between the Veluwe woodlands and the old royal estates, and its public green spaces reflect that heritage. Rather than a single park, the city has a string of them, laid out from the late nineteenth century when wealthy families built villas here and public gardens were designed to match. Together they shape Apeldoorn’s centre and give it a leafy, unhurried character that surprises people who expect a busy provincial town.

Oranjepark is generally regarded as the finest of the group. It was designed as a landscape park with curving paths, mature specimen trees, lawns and ornamental water, and it is protected as a monument. It works well for a gentle walk or a sit on a bench with a coffee from the nearby streets. Wilhelminapark and Prinsenpark follow the same tradition on a smaller scale, with tree-lined paths and quiet corners that locals use for dog walks and lunch breaks.

Verzetstrijderspark carries a different weight, as its name recalls the resistance fighters of the Second World War, and the park is a quiet place for reflection as much as recreation. Elsewhere the mood is lighter. Several of the parks have playgrounds and open grass for ball games, and Kinderparadijs Malkenschoten combines play equipment with a small nature area and animals, which makes it a reliable stop for families with young children.

In summer, the open-air pool at Boschbad becomes a favourite, giving the green belt a social side with swimming, sunbathing and picnics under the trees. Seasonal events and community festivals also use the larger lawns, so a visit may coincide with a market, concert or neighbourhood gathering.

During any visit, entry to the parks costs nothing, and they are and easy to combine into a walking or cycling loop, since they lie close to the centre and to each other. They also make a calm counterpart to the grander sights nearby such as Paleis Het Loo, the royal estates and Apenheul, and a pleasant way to fill the gaps between museum visits, particularly with children. Spring brings blossom and autumn gives the old beeches and oaks colour, so the parks reward a visit in any season. Pack comfortable shoes, bring bread for the ducks if you have kids, and take your time, because the appeal is in the wandering rather than in ticking off a single highlight.