In Hofstade, an ancient quarry (which provided earth for rail road constructions) was flooded to form a series of lakes, one of which eventually became a recreation centre, while the others became water reserves and bird sanctuaries. Even though the facilities are oldish in style and so poorly maintained that some of them fall in ruins, the place is popular with families, who will drive out here to picnic on summer Sundays, and to skate in winter when the ice is thick enough.