Sarphatipark In Amsterdam

This is a small park at the southern edge of the center and is the best place to spend few moments away from the hectic city life. It was created in the 19th century in an English landscape style and is surrounded by houses. This park was named after a socially conscious doctor Sameul Sarpathi. In the second half of 19th century when there was a severe shortage of houses for workers, at that time Sarpathi initiated this project of formation of a colony with a park in the center. The final plan was produced and looked after by an engineer Van Niftrik. Besides houses a variety of cafes and snack bars are also present around it. This makes it a popular picnic spot and after the recent renovation it has become a famous meeting place also. People enjoy sunbathe here in summer.

It’s a green area in the middle of the stylish De Pijp area. The blend of ponds, meadow and wooded fringe makes the place marvelous. The name of the park has been allotted after the name of a Jewish doctor, businessman and philanthropist Samuel Sarphati in 1870 due to the signature collection among the inhabitants of Amsterdam. His monument representing 19th century in Netherlands looks wonderful in the centre of the park with a bombastic temple having fountains. This monument was designed by J.R. Kruyff in 1886. The Chief architect of Amsterdam J.G. Van Niftrik had drafted the plan of this future park in the 19th century when the city advancement was taking place. The area around this place was not yet urbanized till that time and it was just a damp space full of small country estates and windmills. He designed the park in a free English landscape park style.

As the improvement took place many of the houses were also built around the park. But the park was at lower level than the rest of the houses in the neighborhood so it was indicted that the flow of ground water is getting disturbed as the water is pumped to its lake and subsequently it became a source of malaria. Thus level of some parts of the park was raised and to regulate the level of ground water special pump was built in 1908. It resulted in vanishing of the existing problem.

In 1972 some of the improvements were done in the park but major modification took place in the year 2004. In the project the arrangements were made to provide better water to the lakes, some of the bridges were rebuilt, playground was prepared, park was rearranged and even a modern gym was constructed to provide better facilities to the visitors. At present, many people approach here for different activities as jogging, walking (with dogs also) or for the exercise. Basketball court and table tennis facilities are also available here.

The park is just at a 20 minutes walking distance from the Rijksmuseum. Trams are another source to reach here. Many people come here to spend their time in relaxation, to lighten up and to appreciate the beauty of the place. A number of restaurants and cafes could be found in close proximity. Although some of its part looks empty as the trees might have lost due to disease or severe winter yet it’s a cool, clean, nice and relaxing place. Besides that Albert Cuyp Market is also at a walking distance. It’s an attractive place for locals as well as visitors, children, students and the young professionals. As it provides many of the facilities as dog friendly and also dog free areas, playground, sports, and clean environment thus it is considered as one of the nicest picnic spot.