{"id":31220,"date":"2023-12-05T14:53:18","date_gmt":"2023-12-05T13:53:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swecobelgium.be\/blog\/from-grey-to-green-transformation-of-the-de-motten-park\/"},"modified":"2025-03-18T08:46:14","modified_gmt":"2025-03-18T07:46:14","slug":"from-grey-to-green-transformation-of-the-de-motten-park","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.swecobelgium.be\/en\/news\/from-grey-to-green-transformation-of-the-de-motten-park\/","title":{"rendered":"From grey to green: transformation of City Park \u2018De Motten\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n
\n
\n

Share on: <\/p>\n

<\/div><\/div> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n
\n\t
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t

In the heart of the historical center of Tongeren, a transformative vision has unfolded, turning the once-neglected Jeker River into a vibrant focal point of the community. The sports and recreation park \u2018De Motten\u2019 has become an example of the benefits of harnessing water to enhance climate resilience<\/a> and the overall quality of life. <\/strong><\/p>\n

A River reborn<\/h2>\n

Tongeren’s city council, dedicated to environmental sustainability<\/a>, incorporated the revival of the Jeker River into its climate adaptation<\/a> plan. The result? A clever combination of nature with planning and design that has reshaped the urban landscape : after six decades, the Jeker River flows through the city center again, bringing life back into the once-dormant surroundings.<\/p>\n

Recreational hub<\/h2>\n

But the transformation didn’t stop there. With \u2018De Motten\u2019 a sports and recreation park emerged along the revitalized river, crafted around a central water experience square. It’s not just a park; it’s a vibrant meeting space designed to accommodate a myriad of recreational facilities for everyone to enjoy.<\/p>\n

Design philosophy<\/h2>\n

What makes this project <\/span>stand out<\/span> is its interdisciplinary approach.<\/span> The project was entirely executed by <\/span>Sweco<\/span> from conceptualization to execution<\/span> and involved the commitment of various disciplines within our organization<\/span> –\u00a0<\/span> with the design at the forefront, driving the entire process.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

\n
\n\n \t\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A new flow<\/h2>\n

In essence, the award-winning \u2018De Motten\u2019 sports and recreation park is more than a picturesque destination\u2014it’s a living example of how collaborative design can bring new life into urban spaces, fostering resilience and community spirit. As Tongeren embraces the flow of the Jeker River once more, the city serves as a source of inspiration for others seeking to transform their own urban landscapes into a balanced blend of nature and innovation.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n

\n\t\t\t\"\" <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Other news<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\"photo\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOur People<\/span>21\/05\/2026<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Sweco officially welcomes CONIX RDBM Belgium<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Read more<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\"een\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNature & Environment, Good Soil, Natuur & Milieu<\/span>18\/05\/2026<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

What forgotten landfills can teach us about brownfield development<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Read more<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDigitalisation & Smart Technology<\/span>13\/05\/2026<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Jana De Klerk strengthens Sweco as Team Lead Digital Solutions<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Read more<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n

\n\t
\n\n
\n
\n

Subscribe to news from Urban Insight<\/h3> <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n \n
\n Stay informed. Urban Insight, straight to your inbox \u2013 subscribe and get latest news about sustainable urban development<\/a>. Urban Insight offers key learnings based on data, facts and the accumulated expert knowledge from Sweco. As the leading architecture<\/a> and engineering consultancy in Europe, we draw on an unparalleled knowledge base within our industry. <\/div>\n\n
\n