It is actually a miracle that the Rozebroeken and the adjacent Sint-Baafskouterpark look so beautiful today.
Firstly, because the industrialization in Ghent in the 19th century spread so wildly that it is remarkable that this area was never occupied by factories or shutters. In addition, it was a public dump for most of the 20th century and the owners wanted it to be parceled out in the 1980s.
It is thanks to protest from the neighborhood that it could be preserved as a park area. The City of Ghent listened to the action group, bought the land and set up a park.
In the “pleasant wilderness” nature was given as much free rein as possible: a playground with hills and natural elements such as a fallen tree, wildly overgrown hills and small canals. Historical elements of the old Sint-Baafskouter have also been restored, such as the 'Crieckerie' or cherry orchard.
A swimming pool has been there since the 1970s, and the renovation into a water amusement park (2012) has put Rozebroeken even more on the map for Ghent sports enthusiasts and families with children.