Wandelnetwerk Noord-Holland

You are now at the entrance of the Gaasperpark recreational area, south of the A9 which cuts through the middle of the Bijlmer housing estate. The Gaasperplas lake is a quarry, the sand of which was used for the construction of the Bijlmermeer district. In the early 1980s, the north side of the lake was transformed into a green Floriade with various types of gardens, tree avenues, etc. In 1982, 4.5 million people visited the international forestry and horticultural exhibition at the Gaasperplas. There was a small train running over the site, and there was a planetarium as well as a viewing platform over seventy metres high. These attractions have disappeared and now only the contours of the critically acclaimed design remain visible. The area will undergo a major overhaul in the coming years.

• The Parkommetje or Park Walk (blue) is a short walk along the water playground and the banks along the lake. The water in the Gaasperplas is remarkably clear and is good for swimming and fishing.
• The Natuur- en Tuinenroute or Nature and Garden Route (yellow) takes you past a number of spots that are reminders of the Floriade of 1982, such as the municipal rose garden and the heather garden. Closer to the eastern side you will find the willow garden, with pollard willows still recognizable. This is home to various owls, woodpeckers and cuckoos.
• The Gaasperplasroute (orange) is a surprisingly diverse walk around the lake, with varied trees such as beech, linden, elm, birch, six types of oak and many types of shrubs. Over the course of time, beaches, marinas and surf jetties have been developed around the lake.