On 14 September 2025, Oyenbrugpark was officially opened in Grimbergen: a new green area at the recreational airport, realised as part of the Oostelijke Maalbeekvallei Grimbergen land development project.
The Oyenbrugpark is strongly committed to climate resilience. In recent years, VLM has monitored the groundwater level and invested in natural water solutions such as swales and ponds. These collect rainwater, allow it to infiltrate the soil and drain it slowly into the Maalbeek. This reduces flooding and increases biodiversity.
An exclusive walking park
The Oyenbrugpark was designed as a walking park. A new footpath connects the park to Lintbos and links up with various existing walking routes, including the Lintboswandeling, the Parelpad and the Van Basiliek tot Basiliek route. Cycling is not permitted, but visitors are allowed to walk their bicycles through the park.
Nature and heritage hand in hand
The VLM planted numerous trees and shrubs and created nature-friendly banks and orchards where visitors are free to pick fruit. The park thus has an important ecological function as a buffer against urbanisation from Brussels.
Heritage has also been given a prominent place. During the works, historical remains of the former German military airfield Fliegerhorst from the Second World War were found. These unique elements have been integrated into the park design so that visitors can also discover a piece of history.
Space for nature through softening
An important part of the project is softening: outdated infrastructure such as the football field, skate park and grounds of local dog clubs made way for nature and recreation. This intervention created a continuous green park from Humbeeksesteenweg to Lintbos. Existing fences were replaced by natural barriers to give the landscape a more uniform and gentle appearance.
Name chosen together
The name Oyenbrugpark was chosen after a public vote in which residents could submit their favourite proposal. The official announcement took place on Open Monument Day, an ideal moment to highlight the park and its significance.
The project was realised thanks to strong cooperation between the Flemish Land Agency, the municipality of Grimbergen and Life Belini.
See below for some photos of the inauguration – (c)VLM
