If you live in or around Panningen, you might have already noticed the changes. Pius Park is not just any park. It is a project that was designed and built together with residents, schools, care organizations, and local clubs. Truly from the ground up.
What used to be a fragmented and underused area is now growing into the central meeting place of the neighborhood. And with phase 3, things get even better:
- 🛹 A pumptrack for young people and sporty folks
- 🏃 A powerhill where everyone can move, young and old
- 🎨 A central gathering spot featuring the artwork HKS Spot
- 🌳 More trees, more biodiversity, and more shade on hot days
The idea is simple: a place where you bump into your neighbors, where kids play, and where you can relax surrounded by nature. The expectation is that around 1,000 people per week will use the park.
Alderman Sander Janssen puts it well: ‘This will be the beating heart of Panningen and its surroundings.’ And honestly? When you see how the community shaped this together, that feels exactly right.
What many people do not realize is that Pius Park is being developed as a climate-adaptive park. The green infrastructure is specifically designed to combat heat stress and absorb excess rainwater, meaning the park serves not only a social function but also acts as a technical solution for climate change impacts in the immediate living environment.
Source: Municipality
