Stadspark Hasselt

Stadspark Hasselt is the main city park of Hasselt in Belgian Limburg, covering roughly 4 hectares right at the edge of the city centre, next to the Sint-Catharinawijk neighbourhood and Jessa Hospital.

How did the park come to be?

The ground beneath today's park has a layered and unexpected past. A 13th-century beguinage once stood here along the Helbeek stream — a community of religious women living a semi-secular life, a form typical of the historical Low Countries. Nearby, along the former road known as Planckenweyde, a skirmish remembered as the "Jonckmansgevecht" took place in 1682. Centuries later, this historic area underwent a complete transformation: after major infrastructure works and the partial expropriation of land, the residents of Hasselt were eventually given a park of about four hectares, which grew into one of the city's most important green spaces.

What can visitors see in the park?

Stadspark offers wide lawns, colourful flower beds and winding footpaths, interspersed with ponds and outdoor sculptures. Numerous shaded corners invite visitors to rest on the grass or have a picnic, and the layout of the paths allows for a quiet walk away from city noise, even though the park sits almost in the heart of Hasselt.

How has the park changed in recent years?

In 2014, the city of Hasselt commissioned the design office Bureau Verbeek to develop a redesign plan for the area around the Cultuurcentrum Hasselt, which borders Stadspark directly. The plan called for a gradual expansion of the park: the first phase removed paved surfaces and a parking area between the Cultuurcentrum and Jessa Hospital, while a later phase was meant to extend the park's greenery all the way to Kunstlaan avenue. As a result, Stadspark is not a closed, static space but an area that keeps developing and integrating with the surrounding urban fabric.

What role does the park play today?

Stadspark is not only a place for recreation but also a hub of Hasselt's cultural life. Throughout the year, the park and its immediate surroundings host a variety of events and open-air activities, making it a natural meeting point for both residents and visitors. Its proximity to the Cultuurcentrum Hasselt reinforces this role — the park functions as a green extension of the cultural centre, combining outdoor leisure with the city's artistic offerings.

How can you get to Stadspark?

The park lies on the edge of Hasselt's city centre, making it easy to reach on foot from most parts of downtown. It is also accessible by bicycle or public transport — its closeness to Jessa Hospital and the Cultuurcentrum means the surrounding area is well connected to the rest of the city.

Frequently asked questions

How big is Stadspark in Hasselt? The park covers roughly four hectares, though in recent years it has been gradually expanded toward Kunstlaan avenue.

What used to stand on the site of the park? A 13th-century beguinage once stood here along the Helbeek stream, and in 1682 a nearby skirmish known as the "Jonckmansgevecht" took place in the area.

Are events held in the park? Yes, Stadspark serves as a cultural hub for Hasselt and hosts various open-air events throughout the year, partly in cooperation with the neighbouring Cultuurcentrum Hasselt.

Is the park easy to reach? Yes, it lies on the edge of the city centre and can be reached on foot, by bicycle, or by public transport.