Kapermolenpark

Kapermolenpark is a large city park in Hasselt, Belgium, covering roughly thirty hectares of green space right in the heart of the city. For locals and visitors alike, it functions as a green lung for Hasselt — a place to step away from the bustle of the center without actually leaving it.

Where does the park's name come from?

The name Kapermolen refers to an old mill that once stood on the Demer, the river running through this part of the city. The mill itself is long gone, but its name lives on, now shared by both the surrounding district and the park.

What is there to do in Kapermolenpark?

The park blends recreation with quiet green space. It includes a skate park that has recently undergone a thorough renovation — the concrete surface was completely replaced, and new elements in steel, granite and natural stone were added to the layout. That makes it a draw for both beginner and more experienced skaters and scooter riders.

Families will find a playground on site, while those looking for a calmer activity can use the Finnish slope (Finse helling), a marked route for walking and running with measured distances — a format common across the Low Countries as accessible outdoor exercise infrastructure. The park also features a Celtic tree calendar, an unusual attraction that combines an educational angle with the park's landscaping.

Kapermolenpark also works as a gathering spot: it has an event square used for local festivities and community events, plus a pond that adds variety to the landscape and serves as a natural landmark for anyone walking through.

How does the park connect to the rest of the city?

Kapermolenpark sits right next to the Japanese Garden in Hasselt, one of the largest of its kind in Europe, so a visit to one can easily be combined with a walk through the other. Right by the park is also the municipal swimming pool (Stedelijk Zwembad Kapermolen), a handy option for cooling off on warmer days.

The Demer river runs through the park, giving it the character typical of Flemish river parks — paths tracing the water's edge and spots to sit and rest along the bank.

Is the park still being developed?

Yes. The city of Hasselt has ongoing plans to expand and modernize Kapermolenpark, including reworking its infrastructure and adding more green space. Public consultations about the park's future shape happen periodically, a sign that the city treats this area as one of its priorities for public space development.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a playground for children in Kapermolenpark? Yes, the park has a playground for younger visitors.

Can you skate there? Yes, the park has a renovated skate park with a new concrete surface and steel, granite and natural stone elements.

What is nearby the park? The Japanese Garden in Hasselt and the municipal Kapermolen swimming pool are both right next to it.

Which river runs through the park? The Demer river flows through Kapermolenpark.