Utrecht unveils plans for first sports boulevard to boost active living in Maarschalkerweerd
Utrecht is set to build its first sports boulevard in Maarschalkerweerd, offering residents of all ages a new space to exercise, socialise, and stay active. The car-free boulevard, part of a broader sports campus, aims to meet growing demand for outdoor fitness opportunities as the city expands.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Sportboulevard Zuid (South Sports Boulevard) |
| Location | Maarschalkerweerd, Utrecht (alongside Kampong sports fields) |
| Purpose | Promote sports, physical activity, and social interaction for all ages |
| Features | Multi-sport court, small artificial turf field, plaza, greenery, cheer paths |
| Accessibility | Car- and bike-free (except for loading/unloading and emergency services) |
| Stakeholders Involved | Sports clubs, local residents, users of sports fields |
| Expected Completion | 2027 |
| Broader Development | Part of Parklandschap Maarschalkerweerd, including Lunettenpark and Koningsweg |
| Municipal Objective | Creating a ‘healthy urban life’ for Utrecht residents |
The Municipality of Utrecht is responsible for urban development and public space planning, ensuring that growing cities provide adequate facilities for sports, recreation, and community engagement. This project aligns with the municipality’s goal to enhance livability and public health through accessible outdoor spaces.
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Plan for Utrecht’s first sports boulevard in Maarschalkerweerd
The municipal executive has finalised the requirements programme for the ‘Sportboulevard Zuid’ (South Sports Boulevard) in Maarschalkerweerd. The boulevard will run alongside the sports fields of Kampong and will be designed to promote sports and physical activity, connecting to existing walking routes in the area.
A sports boulevard links (club) sports fields and is designed for public sports and exercise. It is an accessible space for people of all ages, whether visiting individually or in groups, with or without a club membership. Visitors can warm up, go running, join a bootcamp, kick a ball around, or do calisthenics training.
Councillor Eva Oosters (Sport): “Utrecht is growing, and so is the need for space to exercise and stay active. We developed this sports boulevard together with the city, involving clubs, users, and local residents. It will be a place where everyone is welcome—whether you’re a club member or just want to get moving. This boulevard encourages people to get active and meet each other.”
Space for sports and exercise in Maarschalkerweerd
Many Utrecht residents use the sports fields in Maarschalkerweerd. Due to the city’s growth, demand for space for various sports is increasing. We also want to provide opportunities for people who are not members of a sports club to exercise outdoors. That’s why we are working towards a sports campus in Maarschalkerweerd, featuring multiple sports boulevards designed according to the same principles. This is part of the development of the Parklandschap Maarschalkerweerd, an area where green spaces, sports, and heritage take centre stage. Alongside the sports campus, we are also developing the new Lunettenpark and redesigning the Koningsweg. The sports boulevards contribute to creating a ‘healthy urban life’ for every Utrecht resident, a key objective of the municipality.
Design principles for sports boulevard finalised
By finalising the plan for Sportboulevard Zuid, the design principles for future sports boulevards have been established. Not only sports clubs contributed to the design; users and local residents of the sports fields also shared their input. This gave us a clear picture of their wishes and needs, which have been incorporated into the plan or will be addressed in the next phase.
Construction of Sportboulevard Zuid
The first section of the sports boulevard will run from Mytylweg to the Kampong clubhouse. Sportboulevard Zuid will be car- and bike-free (except for loading/unloading and emergency services). The space freed up by relocating bike parking will be used for greening with trees and layered planting along the main route. There will also be a small artificial turf field, a multi-sport court, and a plaza near the clubhouse. The ‘cheer paths’ along the sports fields will connect to the sports boulevard. The boulevard will be publicly accessible for individuals or groups who want to exercise and stay active. We expect the new sports boulevard to open in 2027.
Lunettenpark
The Lunettenpark, like the sports boulevards, is part of the development of the Parklandschap Maarschalkerweerd, where green spaces, sports, and heritage come together. The park will be developed step by step into an open and accessible area for walking, recreation, and relaxation. With the finalisation of part 2, a new walking route will be created around the Koningsweg sports park, and the area around Lunet II will be redesigned with attention to nature and the site’s historical significance. In this way, Lunettenpark and the sports boulevards together enhance opportunities for exercise and leisure in the area. For more information on the development of Lunettenpark, see here.
The council letter and accompanying documents can be found here.