In October 2018, the mayor of Bruges opened the modernised section of the King Albert I park in Bruges. The newly lardscaped area allows the city of Bruges to demonstrate the integration of improved rainwater control in a public park and to make a contribution towards a city-wide improvement of the water quality.
The park is a green/blue access gate to the city – not only for pedestrians and cyclists, but also for the water in the city.
All the water in the canals of Bruges flows into the city from the ring canal via the Kapucijnen Canal. Better water control from the starting point improves the entire water system. In order to obtain clean water, we must, among other things, ensure that it flows well and that it contains oxygen. The fountain ensures that the water adds additional oxygen into the water at the start of the canal.
The collection, control and reutilisation of rainwater must be improved. As part of the relandscaping works, part of the Kapucijnen Canal has been widened and deepened, thus creating a supplementary water buffer of 400m³.
This also creates a cool meeting place on a hot day and a rest stop for both residents and visitors. People who come into contact with clean water respect and value it more and will be less likely to throw waste into the canals. Visit and enjoy it!