Park Cinquantenaire overburdened by events

The amount of activities and events that take place in Brussels' Park Cinquantenaire has taken its toll on the park, especially the trees, says Brussels environment minister Céline Fremault, who is calling for a more balanced programme of events.

This year there were a total of 396 events organised in the park, making it the most popular outdoor event location in the Brussels-Capital Region. The park cannot handle so much activity, according to Minister Fremault.

"The plants and trees are suffering because of it," Fremault explained to a member of parliament. "The ground is very compacted, resulting in less water and oxygen getting through, and more difficulty for roots to grow. That's why we have already designated certain areas as off limits."

Every year, thousands of runners pass under the park's triumphal arch during the 20 km of Brussels run. In addition, the city's Environmental Festival takes place there, as does the popular summer festival Apéros Urbains, writes brusselnieuws.be.

All events in the park must first obtain permission from environment and energy agency Brussels Environment, among others. Fremault will ask the administration to do a better job of distributing and spacing the events, under the motto "the right event at the right place".

"This will also allow Brussels residents to discover some of Brussels' other, less-known parks," says Fremault.