Dune Area and Neighborhood Park Benjamin in Wenduine
The area between the Koninklijke Baan, Leopold II-laan, and the Rotonde in Wenduine has been redesigned. Thanks to the enhancement of the dune area and the neighborhood park Benjamin, a vibrant meeting place for the community has now emerged. Sweco studied the public space, infrastructure, and climate adaptation, providing the design for this accessible recreational area suitable for all ages.
The redesigned dune area, owned by the Agency for Maritime Services and Coast (MDK), is the result of a collaboration between the Flemish government and the municipality of De Haan. Previously, this space housed a small petting zoo with fenced grassy fields where dwarf goats, chickens, rabbits, ducks, and a aviary lived. Unfortunately, the infrastructure was in poor condition, prompting a need for a new approach to this public space.
Climate-Resilient Nature
Located at the transition from dune to village, there are now four entrances to the park. These are connected by organically shaped concrete paths. Within this structure, grassy fields and planting beds have been established. Some grassy areas feature slopes and play equipment, while others are flat for lounging and picnic spots. The planting beds contain a mix of ornamental grasses and perennials. At the edges, a mass of Elaeagnus ebbingei, or oleaster (a drought- and salt-resistant shrub), along with a chestnut wood fence, provides structure and security.
Space for Recreation and Meeting
The paths are designed as part of a play landscape where children can freely bike, scoot, and draw with sidewalk chalk. A petanque court invites casual games of pétanque. A new compact aviary serves as a reminder of the former petting zoo. The lighting ensures safety and allows the space to be used in the evenings as well.
Kristof Van Impe, Landscape Architect at Sweco: “With the large number of benches, the park invites people to meet and linger, strengthening social cohesion. The artwork ‘Benjamin’, created by Florin Maen, adds an extra dimension to this renewed space. This redesign offers a fresh, inviting environment for everyone.”
Care for Heritage and Native Vegetation
The Spioenkop in Wenduine, also known as Le Pavillon Elisabeth, is the most iconic dune pavilion on the Belgian coast. This protected monument sits atop a dune that has historically served as a strategic observation point. From this unique location, you can enjoy a breathtaking 360° panorama over the North Sea, the dunes, and the surrounding polders.
“With the help of vegetation mapping, unwanted plants, such as invasive species, have been removed from the area. Many invasive species, including rugosa rose, have been taken out, and significant de-paving has been implemented.”
Accessibility First
The main paths in this 50,960 m² dune area were in poor condition. Excess paths and two unsafe crossings at the tram line have now been removed. The walking paths in the dunes have been rebuilt with clay pavers and semi-permeable materials, making them more accessible for wheelchair users and strollers.
A secondary path winds between existing trees and provides access to a new sunken viewing point made of corten steel. This has been subtly integrated into another dune top, ensuring it does not compete with the Spioenkop. Additionally, the concrete platform around the Spioenkop has been re-leveled and restored, and the lookout tower has received a fresh coat of paint.
Safe Access Combined with Water Infiltration
A former bypass from the N317 to the N34 has been transformed into a new parking facility. Previously, this location had an unsafe entrance and exit, poor visibility, and insufficient capacity. The site lies between the Spioenkop and the petting zoo, near the regional road N317 and a tram stop.
In the redesign of the parking area, significant attention was given to the safety of road users. The principle of ‘right in-right out’ ensures safe access. The bike path running over the parking lot has also been rebuilt to ensure cyclist safety. This path connects the Leopold II-laan with the Koninklijke Baan.
The parking spaces are permeable, allowing rainwater to efficiently drain to lower-lying planting beds, where it can be buffered and infiltrated. The planting consists of ornamental grasses that beautifully integrate the parking area into the dune landscape. In addition, bike racks and charging infrastructure have been provided, and several artworks have been integrated into the planting.
