Park Nieuwe Koers

Park Nieuwe Koers is one of the largest urban parks in Ostend, spread across 13 hectares in the western part of the city, in the Mariakerke-Nieuwe Koers district. The park is relatively young, having opened in 2019 on land that previously served agricultural and sporting purposes, and it now forms a green enclave that stitches together several distinct landscapes into one coherent space.

Where does the park's name come from?

The name refers both to the surrounding Nieuwe Koers neighborhood and to the former Nieuwe Oefenrenbaan racetrack, which operated in the area during the 1920s. This sporting and recreational history is what gave the park its current name, even though no physical trace of the old track remains in today's landscape.

What can visitors find inside the park?

Park Nieuwe Koers combines several functions in one place. Alongside classic green lawns and pathways, it includes community gardens where local residents grow their own vegetables and plants, as well as a spacious event meadow designed to host large outdoor gatherings. The park is also home to the Astropolis astronomical observatory, making it an unusual mix of recreation, education, and open-air culture all in one location.

An interesting element of the park's layout is its direct adjacency to the De Drie Platanen residential care center. This gives the park a social role beyond simple greenery — it functions as a natural meeting and walking space for residents of the nearby care facility, weaving the green area into the daily life of the local community in a way that goes beyond a typical city park.

How does the park fit into Ostend's landscape?

Park Nieuwe Koers plays an important ecological role as a connector between two different types of landscape. On one side, it borders the natural area around the Duinenkerkje chapel; on the other, it neighbors farmland known as the Gardens of Stene. Together, this makes the park a kind of ecological corridor, linking the suburban outskirts with the more urbanized parts of Ostend and supporting biodiversity across the wider area.

A cycling path also runs through the park, forming part of longer regional routes — the Flemish long-distance LF Art Cities Route, connecting Ostend with Bruges and Ghent, and the local Green Ribbon loop, a walking and cycling route that circles the entire city. This means the park is not only a destination in itself, but also an important waypoint for cyclists and walkers passing through the Ostend area.

Who is this place for?

Given its size and capacity — the park can accommodate between 70,000 and 100,000 visitors during larger outdoor events — Park Nieuwe Koers doubles as both a local recreational green space and a large-scale urban event venue. At the same time, on an everyday basis it remains a quiet spot for walks, outdoor activity, and contact with nature for residents of Mariakerke and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Frequently asked questions

How large is Park Nieuwe Koers? The park covers an area of 13 hectares.

When did the park open? The park opened in 2019.

What can be found in the park besides greenery? Community gardens, an event meadow, and the Astropolis astronomical observatory.

Does a cycling route pass through the park? Yes, a section of the LF Art Cities Route and the Green Ribbon loop around Ostend.

How many people can the park hold during events? Between 70,000 and 100,000 visitors.