Parc des Étangs Mellaerts, Protected heritage park in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, Belgium.
Parc des Étangs Mellaerts is a protected heritage site in Brussels with two water bodies, meadows, and wet areas surrounded by mature trees across 9 hectares. The site features walking paths, mini-golf, a playground, and is designed to be accessible for people with reduced mobility.
A merchant named François Mellaerts purchased the land in 1883 and secured an agreement in 1898 to protect the ponds during construction of Tervueren Avenue. This agreement ensured the water bodies remained preserved as green space in the developing city.
The name comes from François Mellaerts, a merchant who shaped the site in the 1800s. Visitors encounter a historic restaurant-tavern that has long been part of the place, and can observe how the water bodies have supported leisure activities for generations.
The park is easy to reach on foot and features wide paths suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Visitors should note that walking routes wind around the water areas, offering different zones to explore, and the site is pleasant to visit throughout the year.
The pond banks shelter species such as coots, grey herons, and uncommon tree types that Brussels officials have recognized as noteworthy. These bird-watching opportunities are a quiet advantage of the park that many visitors overlook, even though the wildlife is easy to spot from the walking paths.
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