Groot Park

Groot Park is a green space in central Aalst covering about 15 hectares and contains two fishing ponds called the Balloon Pond and Mirror Pond. An extensive network of walking paths connects these ponds and runs throughout the grounds.

The park was created between 1911 and 1916 under the direction of alderman Désiré De Wolf, who worked with landscape architect Louis Breydel. This founding period reflects the growth of Aalst as a modern city in the early 1900s.

Early 20th-century buildings like a milk house, card playing pavilion, and garden house sit within the park and reflect how the space served the local community. These structures show the kinds of activities and gatherings that took place in daily life.

The park is open from sunrise to sunset and offers paths suitable for various walking speeds. The Osbroek nature reserve sits directly on the southern edge and can be accessed from the main grounds.

The grounds function as an arboretum, home to around 200 different tree species scattered throughout the park. This variety turns a simple walk into a discovery experience for nature watchers and those curious about trees.