Climate-proof company garden for employees and local residents
The city of Arnhem has developed the Coehoorn Climate-adaptive Company Garden. The former schoolyard, bordering on the Coehoorn park and consisting of a large, paved surface spanning 300 m2, was mainly used as a dumping ground. During severe downpours, the square was frequently flooded, and on hot days it boosted the heat island effect. Willem Jakobs, park director of the Coehoorn park, took the initiative of tackling this section of Arnhem. In collaboration with several partners, among whom the Le Far West landscape architects, it has been turned into a climate-proof garden.
Existing materials from the former schoolyard were reused in the new design. The 30x30cm concrete tiles were removed and reused to create tables, flower boxes, and boundary markers. The old concrete paving was replaced by grass, fields of wild flowers, and raised sections with perennials. Water-permeable tiles were used for the paved sections, in order to allow rainwater to infiltrate into the soil. These adjustments have generated a pleasant garden for local residents, employees, and passers-by to enjoy.
In the development stage of the climate-proof garden, local entrepreneurs were invited to experiment. This resulted in the idea of a small petting zoo and the opportunity for companies to adopt a vegetable garden box. In such adopted vegetable garden boxes, employees can subsequently harvest their lunch vegetables. Local residents also like to sit in the garden and regularly initiate activities on the stage that has been constructed.
Image: The former schoolyard (left) and the Coehoorn Climate-adaptive Company Garden several months after its construction (right)
The development of the climate-proof garden cost 11,000 euros. The municipality of Arnhem is enthusiastic about the climate-proof garden and has provided financial support. In addition, many sponsors, among whom the Bijsterveldt en Daamen apprenticeship company, have assisted in the creation of the garden. Local residents have contributed by painting sewer pipes and restoring garden furniture. All these efforts have rendered the garden operational within two weeks and have provided Arnhem with another climate-proof garden.
Contact person
Willem Jakobs
Parkregisseur van het Coehoornpark
Willemjakobs@hotmail.com