Interacting and connecting
The area's compact size is one of the main factors in Utrecht Science Park's success. Knowledge institutions and businesses are all located at walking distance. This proximity promotes cooperation. In order to be successful, a business park must stimulate interaction between its users. Utrecht Science Park organises and hosts a range of activities (issue-based, cultural, athletic). Utrecht Science Park is the only science park in the Netherlands with its own festival and marathon event.
Utrecht Science Park Marathon
Utrecht Science Park is main partner in the event, which is organised in collaboration with the University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University and HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht. This partnership is based around the aspects of health, exercise, team building and sustainability.
USP Café's
Each month, the Utrecht Science Park Foundation organises an informal meeting for the various people at Utrecht Science Park. The events are themed around specific issues and are held at special locations.
De Maaltuin
In 2017 De Maaltuin returned after a sold edition in 2016 as a 16-day pop-up restaurant in the Botanical Gardens at Utrecht Science Park. A beautiful place with exotic flowers, plants and trees. De Maaltuin rises in the middle of the subtropical greenhouse with a very special and intimate atmosphere.
Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens are Utrecht Science Park's very own 'Central Park'. Utrecht University's Botanical Gardens are located in and around Fort Hoofddijk, a 19th century fortification that makes up part of the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie water defence line. Amongst other unique features, the garden is home to Europe's largest rock garden with mountain plant life from around the world. The gardens are used for a range of events throughout the year, including deBeschaving festival in the summer. The Botanical Gardens offer an ideal location for a stroll during lunch break.
Sportcentrum Olympos
Visitors to Sportcentrum Olympos can take part in over 70 different sports. The sports centre offers the greatest range of sporting activities in Utrecht. The sports café serves as Olympos' 'living room' and is home base to over 20 different student sports associations. Other Olympus sports enthusiasts, Utrecht Science Park students and employees and event participants can also enjoy lunch, dinner and drinks before or after lectures, work or sporting activities.
