Griftpark, Utrecht

The Griftpark is a park in the Dutch city of Utrecht, located in the Noordoost district on the streets Blauwkapelseweg and Kleine Singel

The Grift Park is located between the Vogelenbuurt, Tuinwijk and Wittevrouwen , on the spot where the Municipal Gas Factory stood since 1860, and the Vaalt since 1876. In 1960 the gas factory was closed and demolished. However, the site had become heavily polluted. That is why the park was nicknamed Gifpark in Utrecht. The soil in the area was remediated between 1993 and 2002, after which it was redesigned as a city park. The contaminated soil is, as it were, wrapped up so that the poison can no longer cause any damage.

In January 2008 it was announced that a bacterium was found in the contaminated soil that feeds on the pollution. It is estimated that it will take another 30 to 40 years before all soil will be cleaned in this way. From May 2019, drilling will be carried out in the park to investigate the state of natural degradation by this bacterium.

There is a skating rink in the park that enjoys great popularity. Just like the football cage, often used by students. There is also a petting zoo and a restaurant in the park .

The Biltsche Grift stream runs through the park, from which the park owes its name.