De Gavers is a 170-hectare domain in Harelbeke, a small town located in the southeast portion of the province. It’s known as the green lung of Kortrijk (it’s only about five kilometres away). The park’s woodsy paths and sizeable lake support a wide range of recreational options, from jogging to diving. All ages and personalities will find something here to enjoy.

Gavermeer, the domain’s 65-hectare lake, makes De Gavers the perfect choice for recreation on a hot summer’s day. The lake accommodates a variety of water sports, including sailing, kayaking, diving, fishing and swimming.

De Gavers is also home to both a sailing and windsurfing club. If you are a newbie, Zeilclub Gavermeer and Windsurfing Gavermeer offer training (for both youth and adults) and equipment rental. In the summer they also organise camps for the kids.

Portions of the Gavermeer are set aside for scuba diving and swimming. Both are on the eastern edge of the lake, separated by a peninsula. The swimming area features lifeguards, kayak rentals and a brand new bathing pavilion (complete with toilets and changing rooms). The sandy beach and shallow swimming area is cordoned off by a boardwalk, which serves as a great jumping off point. I had fun watching a series of younger kids playfully practicing their cannonball dives.

If you’re looking for more of an adrenaline rush, De Gavers is also home to Oenanthe – a group that organises adventure sports and team building activities. Their unique offerings include tree climbing, BMX biking, paintball, archery and obstacle courses. Oenanthe also arranges kids’ summer camps.

Nature lovers will enjoy the De Gavers’ woodsy walking trails (there are over 11 km of trails). I particularly enjoyed the scenic route that circles the lake. Those who prefer to pick up the pace might enjoy the five-kilometre jogging loop. There are some beautiful bike rides in and around De Gavers. With the Leiestreek West cycling network map (€6) you can find safe and scenic routes that take you through a portion of De Gavers. The park also features a horse-riding route and mountain biking route (you can rent mountain bikes on site).

No matter how fast your pace or what method of transport you take around the park, De Gavers’ lovely natural surroundings won’t disappoint. The park’s nature reserve attracts an abundance of birds. I saw several herons on my visit. Birdwatchers can observe from two different blinds, one in the southwest portion of the lake and one near the eastern edge of the park. If you’re lucky, you might spot some birds rare for the region, like the shag and marsh sandpiper.

More than 250 species of birds as well as many species of dragonflies and butterflies can be found in the park. If you’d like to learn more about the park’s flora and fauna, you can get in touch with Natuurwerkgroep De Gavers. This voluntary membership group organises monthly guided walks each month that focus on the domain’s natural environment (with the exception of August).

For those who can’t bear to leave the peace of this natural setting, there are even overnight trekker’s huts for rent on site.

After gallivanting around De Gavers, you can relax and enjoy a drink and snack at the café, located near the west parking lot. Here you’ll find all the basic offerings of a Belgian café, like beer and broodjes, but they serve a variety of ice cream treats too. The café has a terrace with a lake view and there’s a playground for the little ones nearby.

De Gavers is undergoing a series of major renovations right now that will improve the domain’s facilities and recreational options. This includes the bathing pavilion and a new reception hall. Unfortunately, during this time you can’t visit De Koutermolen, the park’s key landmark. De Koutermolen is an impressive wooden windmill. Though rebuilt in the 1980’s, the mill has parts that date from the 18th century. Visits to De Koutermolen are expected to resume in 2011.

De Gavers
Eikenstraat 131, Harelbeke
www.west-vlaanderen.be/gavers

Upcoming events at De Gavers
Gavermania - Thursday 26 August
• A fun-filled day of varied sports activities for youth (€5.50)

Open Gaversdag - Sunday 29 August
• Open Gaversdag is the perfect opportunity to get an overview of the domain's many offerings. The organisations of De Gavers will offer free activities to the public from 14.00 to 19.00. Windsurf, sail, kayak or take a guided walk.

Other West Flanders recreational options
De Palingbeek in Ieper has a rich history. It's located on the former frontline of World War I battles and the land still shows signs of this dramatic past. The 200-hectare domain features an exhibit on the war as well as environmental education and an organic farm with animals. De Palingbeek also includes walking routes and a playground. Vaartstraat 7, Ieper

Het Zwin is a truly remarkable, unspoiled natural area on Belgium's coast. The 150-hectare park borders the Netherlands (25 hectares are Dutch). Het Zwin is a paradise for bird watchers, especially with the migrations that occur in the fall and spring. The reserve is fantastic place for cycling and guided walks in the park take place every Sunday. Tours in English can be arranged. You can also download listening tours on the park's website www.west-vlaanderen.be/zwin Graaf Léon Lippensdreef 8, Knokke-Heist