Hartelpark - Spijkenisse

On the northern edge of Spijkenisse lies the green and water-rich Hartelpark. The park forms a green buffer between the built-up area and the Botlek industrial area. You constantly wonder how you can experience so much peace, space and greenery so close to Botlek's major industry.

The park consists of a western and an eastern part. Hartel East is laid out in English landscape style but also has a strip of round masonry (sand) bins.

Since 1992, the park has been managed ecologically, interfering as little as possible with natural development. At the time, Galloway cattle and konik horses were used for grazing. But after Spijkenisse residents started feeding and even riding the animals, the animals were replaced by the more daunting Scottish Highlanders.

The wooded park also features water and swamp cypresses, beech, birch, maple and many other beautiful trees and plants. But deer, hares, rabbits, frogs, toads and other larger and smaller animals have also found their home here.