Haren whispers a name: Anne Frankbos. This small forest of just over one hectare offers a place of reflection. It sits nestled between the bustling Haachtsesteenweg and the quiet Arthur Maesstraat.
Before 2021, this haven was known as Arthur Maespark. The city of Brussels decided to rename it to honor Anne Frank. This renaming is part of a larger initiative. Brussels aimed to feminize public spaces.
The idea started in 2005. The city wanted to recognize famous women. Marguerite Yourcenar, Marguerite Duras, and Simone de Beauvoir received spaces. It took fifteen years for Anne Frank to be similarly honored.
Initially, there was a consideration for an Anne Frank Park. Ultimately, the city chose to rename the forest. The decision was influenced by the area’s biodiversity. The Anne Frankbos boasts a rich variety of plant and animal life.
The city decided against adding playground equipment or picnic tables. The focus remains on preserving the natural environment. It allows visitors to contemplate. They can reflect on Anne Frank’s legacy in a natural setting.
Anne Frank’s story is well known. She was a Jewish teenager who wrote a diary during World War II. The German occupiers discovered her. She died in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.
The Anne Frankbos is more than just a green space. It is a symbol. It represents remembrance and resilience. It’s a quiet corner in Haren. Here, one can reflect on history. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of biodiversity.
Other places in Belgium also bear Anne Frank’s name. There is a boarding school in Tubize. Squares in Hasselt and Tournai honor her. The Anne Frankbos adds to these tributes.
The forest provides a serene escape. Visitors can wander its paths. They can observe the local flora and fauna. It is a place to remember Anne Frank. It is a place to contemplate the lessons of the past. It is a place to consider the importance of hope.