Representatives of the City Service for Sustainable Development visited Utrecht as part of the URBACT Pioneers Accelerator project, during the Urban Nature Cluster study visit, which brings together European cities committed to greener, more resilient, and inclusive urban development. The project is funded by the URBACT IV programme, which supports knowledge exchange and innovation among European cities.

During the two-day visit (30–31 October), participants explored Utrecht’s best practices in urban greening, canal maintenance, and inclusive management of green spaces. The programme, carefully organized by the hosts, included visits to Mariaplaats, Wonderwoods, Transwijk Park, and Rijnvliet, showcasing how citizens and local communities actively participate in designing and maintaining their green areas.

The delegation also visited Utrecht Central Station, a key transport hub connecting the city to the rest of the Netherlands and Europe, highlighting how mobility and green initiatives can be integrated.

On the second day, the city was explored by bicycle, in the Dutch tradition, and upcoming activities within the URBACT network were discussed. Visits to Griftpark and Maxima Park provided examples of how new urban parks can foster community engagement and social cohesion.

We extend our gratitude to the City of Utrecht for their warm welcome, well-structured programme, and open exchange of experiences.