Seny Park

Seny Park is a landscape-style promenade park stretching along Boulevard du Souverain, on the border between the municipalities of Auderghem and Watermael-Boitsfort in Brussels. Inaugurated in 1963, it takes its name from Albert Seny, an industrialist who was one of the site's last private owners in the 19th century.

Where does the park's name come from?

The story of this site goes back much further than the park's opening date. Near its entrance, along the Woluwe river, once stood a water mill called Nedermolen ("lower mill"), whose origins date back to the 13th century. In 1836 the mill and its surrounding land were bought by Albert Seny, who first used it for paper manufacturing and later converted it into a cotton dye works. The park was later named after him, even though none of the original industrial buildings survive today.

What does the park look like today?

Seny Park is a green corridor crossed by the Woluwe river, framed by footpaths, wide lawns and small wooded areas. It stands out for its rich variety of conifers and deciduous trees, including specimens considered remarkable for the Brussels Region — among them black pines, hairy-cup oak, Hungarian oak, Jacquemont birch, white willow and several poplar species. The idea of creating a park here dates back to the 1950s, a period of intense green-space development in Brussels, with the approaching Expo 58 world's fair giving the project extra momentum. The original concept envisioned a kind of arboretum bringing together trees, shrubs and plants chosen partly for their distinctive scents.

What can visitors do in Seny Park?

The park's wide lawns invite ball games and relaxation outdoors. For children, there is a playground with swings, two combination play structures, single and double spring-mounted toys, and a sandbox. The park was also designed with visually impaired visitors in mind: plants are arranged and labeled by scent, while paths feature textured paving and handrails to aid orientation. The grounds are also suitable for cycling.

Why does Seny Park matter ecologically?

Seny Park is one of the sites included in the Natura 2000 special conservation area that, within Brussels, encompasses the Sonian Forest, its edges, neighbouring wooded areas and the Woluwe valley. This designation highlights the park's ecological role as part of a broader, connected green corridor linking several protected areas across the Belgian capital.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Seny Park located? The park lies on the border between the municipalities of Auderghem and Watermael-Boitsfort in the Brussels-Capital Region, along Boulevard du Souverain, near Rue Charles Lemaire.

Where does the park's name come from? From Albert Seny, an industrialist who in 1836 bought a water mill on the site along with its surrounding land, using it first for paper production and later as a cotton dye works.

Is there a playground in the park? Yes, the park has a playground with swings, climbing structures, spring-mounted toys and a sandbox, suitable for children.

Is the park accessible to people with disabilities? Yes, the park includes features for visually impaired visitors, such as plants classified by scent and textured paving with handrails along the paths.