About this challenge
Netherlands
Challenge description
The municipality of Emmen is situated in the north-eastern part of the Netherlands, within the Province of Drenthe. Home to nearly 110,000 residents, Emmen consists of a vibrant city center surrounded by a mix of smaller towns and rural communities. Emmen is known for its strong industrial sector, green landscapes, and the renowned Wildlands Zoo.
Emmen has undergone significant transformations over the years. One of the city’s most unique new redevelopment projects is the Rensenpark, located in the heart of city center Emmen on the site of the former zoo.
Rensenpark offers a unique opportunity to create something unparalleled in the region; a vibrant and innovative city park that blends nature, culture, creativity, and history. To fully realize its potential, we seek international inspiration and collaboration with peer cities that have successfully tackled similar challenges.
Unique opportunity
Rensenpark is not only a green oasis in the heart of Emmen but also a place rich in history. Until 2016, it was home to the city’s zoo , with giraffes, rhinos, butterflies, tropical birds, elephants, and many other animals from around the world. When the animals moved to Wildlands, the municipality chose to repurpose the former zoo into a dynamic city park where nature, creativity, and community come together.
Key challenges & questions for the City-to-City exchange
• How do we establish a dynamic and diverse cultural hub?
• How can we connect local education and businesses to support Rensenpark’s creative ambitions?
• What best practices from other cities can help us position Rensenpark as a top destination?
• How can we design the park to invite movement and connection?
• How do we balance historical preservation with sustainable innovation?
• How can Rensenpark’s historic buildings such as the underground elephant stable be creatively repurposed for cultural or community use?
• How can we implement eco-friendly, innovative solutions in public space redevelopment?
Emmen has undergone significant transformations over the years. One of the city’s most unique new redevelopment projects is the Rensenpark, located in the heart of city center Emmen on the site of the former zoo.
Rensenpark offers a unique opportunity to create something unparalleled in the region; a vibrant and innovative city park that blends nature, culture, creativity, and history. To fully realize its potential, we seek international inspiration and collaboration with peer cities that have successfully tackled similar challenges.
Unique opportunity
Rensenpark is not only a green oasis in the heart of Emmen but also a place rich in history. Until 2016, it was home to the city’s zoo , with giraffes, rhinos, butterflies, tropical birds, elephants, and many other animals from around the world. When the animals moved to Wildlands, the municipality chose to repurpose the former zoo into a dynamic city park where nature, creativity, and community come together.
Key challenges & questions for the City-to-City exchange
• How do we establish a dynamic and diverse cultural hub?
• How can we connect local education and businesses to support Rensenpark’s creative ambitions?
• What best practices from other cities can help us position Rensenpark as a top destination?
• How can we design the park to invite movement and connection?
• How do we balance historical preservation with sustainable innovation?
• How can Rensenpark’s historic buildings such as the underground elephant stable be creatively repurposed for cultural or community use?
• How can we implement eco-friendly, innovative solutions in public space redevelopment?
Find more
This city is looking for
We are actively looking for (two) peer cities that can support us in achieving the strategic goals of Rensenpark and help address the related challenges we face.
Rensenpark is undergoing a unique transformation, and through a City-to-City Exchange, we seek to learn from cities that have experience in similar urban regeneration efforts. Our goal is to connect with partners who:
• Have proven experience in urban transformation, cultural development, and sustainability.
• Are open to knowledge exchange and long-term collaboration.
• Can share practical, real-life solutions that address challenges similar to those we face in Emmen.
We are focused on the following strategic goals for Rensenpark:
1. Transform Rensenpark into a vibrant city park:
A dynamic destination that offers diverse activities for a wide audience.
2. Promote a healthy living environment:
Designing spaces that encourage physical activity, social connection, and relaxation.
3. Boost creativity and innovation:
Providing room and resources for residents, artists, and entrepreneurs to thrive.
4. Enhance sustainability and climate adaptation:
Developing resilient, green, and future-proof public spaces and buildings.
We are interested in partnering with cities that have successfully repurposed spaces into inclusive, creative, and climate-resilient urban environments.
Rensenpark is undergoing a unique transformation, and through a City-to-City Exchange, we seek to learn from cities that have experience in similar urban regeneration efforts. Our goal is to connect with partners who:
• Have proven experience in urban transformation, cultural development, and sustainability.
• Are open to knowledge exchange and long-term collaboration.
• Can share practical, real-life solutions that address challenges similar to those we face in Emmen.
We are focused on the following strategic goals for Rensenpark:
1. Transform Rensenpark into a vibrant city park:
A dynamic destination that offers diverse activities for a wide audience.
2. Promote a healthy living environment:
Designing spaces that encourage physical activity, social connection, and relaxation.
3. Boost creativity and innovation:
Providing room and resources for residents, artists, and entrepreneurs to thrive.
4. Enhance sustainability and climate adaptation:
Developing resilient, green, and future-proof public spaces and buildings.
We are interested in partnering with cities that have successfully repurposed spaces into inclusive, creative, and climate-resilient urban environments.
City size
Small city (50k to 250k inhabitants)
Author
Simon Kleinheerenbrink
Netherlands
European Project Advisor
Municipality of Emmen
