The Schansbroek area was also ‘adopted’ by local residents for unofficial grow-your-own activities. The area has since been redesigned in collaboration with local citizens/workers. The aim was to create a multifunctional neighbourhood park for recreation, biodiversity and to restore water management. The 2013 design plan included measures to recreate a ‘wet ecotope’ by restoring a natural dam and ponds, and transforming an artificial reservoir from the former mine. Local citizens requested allotments, children’s play areas, cycling/hiking trails, picnic and meeting areas which were all included in the design.
The new park created enhances the aesthetics of the area and strengthen links to the site making it more attractive to residents and workers at the neighbouring Thorpark. The model for community engagement will be scaled-up for the entire Stiemerbeck valley.