Recreation
Kralingse plas
In 1911 local officials decided to transform the low-lying areas around the Kralingse Plas (lake) into the Kralingse forest. In order to do this, the ground had to be raised by about seven metres (using soil dredged from the Waal harbour). The forest and lake together now serve as the most multifunctional recreation area in the county. Swimming, sailing, barbecuing, horse riding, jogging, roller skating, This familiar Dutch scene of water, puffy clouds and sailboats would of course not be complete without windmills; the two at this lake are called the Lelie and the Ster.
Zevenhuizer plas
Along the Rotte river close to Oud Verlaat you can find a typical, modern recreational lake. Grassy areas and sandy beaches offer space for everyone. A dip in the lake can easily be combined with other recreational activities such as cycling, roller skating along the Rotte or a visit to the nearby petting zoo.
Trompenburg
The Trompenburg Arboretum, which covers an area of 6 hectares, is a beautifully designed park dating from 1820. It supports a rich collection of trees, shrubs, perennials and bulbs, offering an ideal spot to study. The entry fee is three euros, but you get more than you pay for. Trompenburg is the perfect place to take a pleasant stroll. And all of this is just a two-minute walk from the Woudestein campus.
The Wijkpark
The Wijkpark is located in the middle of city, closely surrounded by the West Kruiskade and the Nieuwe Binnenweg. This may be one of the best green spaces in the city; it is never crowded and the city’s high-rise buildings form a dramatic backdrop. There is a small petting zoo here and plenty of space to lie or sit on the grass. The park gate closes every evening at fifteen minutes before sundown.
Euromast park
This park was designed by a father and son team of architects named Zochers. The original design dates from 1852, and construction of the eastern section began two years later. This section includes the renowned restaurant Parkheuvel and a neoclassical sculpture of the poet Hendrik Tollens. It is increasingly the site of large-scale events such as the Dunya festival, but it is also used for picnicking, sunbathing, strolling, and soccer games.
