Het Park, Rotterdam

Following the Oude Plantage, Het Park holds the distinction of being Rotterdam's second-oldest park, situated to the west of the city center.

The land where Het Park now stands was acquired discreetly in 1851 by the Rotterdam Municipality with initial plans to establish a slaughterhouse. Opposition arose from Delfshaven, as the land fell within its territory, which was not yet a part of Rotterdam. In response to these concerns and at the urging of the council, the Rotterdam Municipality decided in 1852 to transform the area into a "public walk."

Though it presents as a unified space, Het Park is actually composed of two segments, harkening back to the location's historical use as two separate country estates. The eastern portion, now home to Parkzicht, was once the estate of J. Valckenier and was developed between 1852 and 1863 according to plans by the Zocher company. The western portion, where the De Heuvel estate stood, previously owned by J.A. Nottebohm, was incorporated into Het Park circa 1886 with certain alterations. The dividing line between these estates corresponds to the current placement of the Rhododendronallee.

Conceived by Jan David Zocher Jr. and his son Louis Paul Zocher in 1852, Het Park's design adheres to the principles of the English landscape style. The park saw an expansion in 1875 with the addition of the De Heuvel estate.

In 1914, the Norwegian Seamen's Church, constructed of wood, was erected on the western side of the park. This church was bestowed upon Rotterdam by the newly independent Norway and was transported to the Netherlands in kit form. A portion of the park's western side was lost due to the construction of the Maastunnel in 1937. Consequently, the Norwegian Seamen's Church was relocated to its current position on Westzeedijk.

As of December 2010, Het Park holds the esteemed designation of a National Monument.