Heem Parks, Amstelveen (The Netherlands)
Designed Ecologically Function

The first Heem Parks of De Braak and Jac.P.Thijssepark were designed for the Amstelveen urban extension. Heem Parks draw their inspiration from the study of native plant communities. Lawns and ornamental trees do not belong in Heem Parks, instead mixed woodlands were established with herbaceous underplanting and adjacent wild flower meadows.

Completed in 1939, the planting plan for De Braak Park was based on the natural conditions of the soil. Native plants were used exclusively. An old mere was central to the layout, creating peaty conditions for planting based on the natural communities of low lying fens.

The 24 hectare Jac.P.Thijssepark is regarded as the archetypal Heem Park. It forms a green corridor along the edge of Amstelveen. The layout is based on a combination of meandering stretches of water with open and closed planting. The footpaths progress through a series of distinct habitats, allowing it to be read like a book of nature.

Sources:
Bekkers,G (2003) Jac.P.Thijsse Park – designed Dutch landscape, Architectura and Natura