"Experience Prince Frederick's Park Trail" Project Officially Concluded
On October 17, 2023, Mr. Meindert Stolk, a member of the Provincial Executive of South Holland responsible for heritage, among other things, officially opened the entrance gate to Prince Frederik of the Netherlands’ former deer park. This ceremony marked the official conclusion of the “Experience Prince Frederik’s Park Route” project.
Through this project, the municipalities of Wassenaar and Voorschoten have brought the prince’s extensive former estate and its significance to the attention of a broad public in recent years. With support from the province of South Holland, historical research was conducted into the course of the main route through the former estate. Parts of it were found to still exist—particularly in the public and accessible park areas and village roads. Together with residents, they explored ways to make the route even more recognizable and usable.
Hiking Trails and Scavenger Hunt
With financial support from the Province of South Holland and the Duin, Horst, and Weide Landscape Roundtable, numerous public-oriented products have been developed and activities organized over the past three years. For example, various hiking trails and a scavenger hunt for children have been mapped out throughout the area, and short videos show what life was like for the prince and his family on the estate.
National Historic Landmark
The unveiling of the gate marks the official completion of the final phase of the project. The original fence had been lost over time. Taking the original design into account, the fence was restored using contemporary materials. As a result, the gate has regained its former charm. Today, the deer park is a nature and hiking area, and the entrance gate—including the bridge—is now a national historic monument.
Alderman Hans van der Elst, responsible for Culture and Heritage: “I am proud that this cultural project has come to such a successful conclusion. Together with the municipality of Wassenaar, and also thanks to the province and the Landschapstafel, we have been able to ensure that this regional cultural heritage is once again in the spotlight. Many of our residents, as well as visitors, have had the opportunity in recent years to explore the Prince Frederik Park Route and its beautiful natural surroundings. I sincerely hope that many more visitors will continue to enjoy this unique estate and this special route in the years to come.”
Collaboration
The restoration was made possible, in part, by an additional grant from the Province of South Holland. The remaining funds were provided by the Landschapstafel Duin, Horst, and Weide, the municipality of Wassenaar, and the fence’s owner, Dunea. The design was created by restoration architect Michiel Enderman. The work was carried out by the GKB Group of Barendrecht.
Information
Residents who would like to learn more about the Prince Frederik Park Trail can visit www.voorschoten.nl/prins-frederik-parkenroute. More information about walking trails or scavenger hunts designed especially for children can be found at www.voorschoten.nl/wandelroutes-en-speurtochten.