Draft:Odapark

Odapark is an urban park on the outskirts of Venray. it includes an art centre of the same name. The natural reserve connects to the municipal forest Vlakwater to the east. The landscape includes a number of old trees, avenues and sand dunes.

History
The 19-hectare park was formerly owned by the Ursuline nuns, who ran a boarding school for girls in Venray named Jerusalem. The park was laid out by the nuns in 1899 and named after Saint Oda, the patron saint of Venray. The 19th-century teahouse and several historical gazebos still date from the time of the Sisters. In 1981, the park came into the possession of the municipality of Venray and has been a public park ever since.

Present
Approximately 60 sculptures by international artists are on display in the park. The park and sculpture collection have been managed by the Odapark Foundation since 1992. In the central pavilion and the accompanying Tea House, this foundation organises exhibitions of contemporary art and educational projects. In addition, there are also frequent concerts and lectures. The park and art centre are managed with the help of a small team and a large group of volunteers.

Collection
The sculpture collection in the park includes artworks by international artists, including: Kees Bierman, Reinhard Buxel, Doyle & Mallinson, Hans Lemmen, Herbert Nouwens, Tanja Ritterbex, Snode Vormgevers, Rod Summers and William Sweetlove.