Liedermeerspark in Merelbeke

Liedermeerspark is a 25-hectare park in the municipality of Merelbeke in East Flanders, Belgium, located in the Flora neighborhood right alongside the Bovenschelde river. It's the kind of place where a town has handed a stretch of land back to nature and its residents at the same time — walkers, families with kids, and anglers all find something here without leaving the municipality.

Where did this park come from?

The park was created in the late 1980s around several cut-off meanders of the Bovenschelde — old river bends that stopped being part of the main channel once the river was straightened, but remained behind as ponds and wetland. In the 1990s, the northern section was further developed, giving the park much of the shape it still has today. This origin explains why the landscape feels so varied: water, a former riverbed, and open grassland sit naturally next to each other rather than following a single, imposed design.

What can you do in Liedermeerspark?

The park is a versatile space for walking, playing, and fishing. Paths run alongside ponds, an old arm of the Bovenschelde, wooded patches, and open meadows, so a single walk can take you through several distinct landscapes.

At the center of the park sits the playground "Het Pientere Waterhoentje" (roughly, "The Clever Moorhen"), equipped with a slide, swings, climbing structures, and a playhouse — a natural gathering point for families visiting the park.

For older kids and more active visitors, there's a play forest and a pétanque court — the French bowling game that's a popular casual outdoor pastime in Belgium. Anglers can use the designated fishing pond.

Is the park accessible to everyone?

Yes. The paths in Liedermeerspark are paved or semi-paved, making them easy to navigate for wheelchair users and for parents with strollers. That's worth knowing if you're planning a visit with someone who has limited mobility.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to Liedermeerspark free? Yes, the park is open to everyone and free of charge.

Is the park open around the clock? Yes, Liedermeerspark is accessible day and night, with no set opening hours.

Is there parking near the park? Yes, there's a large free parking area reachable via Verlorenbroodstraat.

What's on the children's playground? The "Het Pientere Waterhoentje" playground has a slide, swings, climbing equipment, and a playhouse.

Can you fish in the park? Yes, Liedermeerspark has a designated fishing pond open to anglers.

How big is Liedermeerspark? The park covers approximately 25 hectares.