Kralendijk – Today, an important step has been taken to provide children in Bonaire with more and better play areas. In the playground of Nieuw Amsterdam, currently under construction, Jantje Beton, the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS), and the Public Body Bonaire (OLB) signed the Play Agreement Bonaire 2025-2027.
This agreement aims to create safe, challenging, and accessible play areas, allowing every child in Bonaire to develop physically, socially, and emotionally in a healthy living environment. The Play Agreement was signed by Nina den Heyer, deputy of Society & Care of Bonaire, Vincent Karremans, Secretary of State for Youth, Prevention & Sports of VWS, and Mascha van Werven, director of Jantje Beton. This symbolic moment took place in the playground of Nieuw Amsterdam, which will soon open its doors.
Collaboration for More and Better Play Areas
The Play Agreement outlines the collaboration between the three parties for the period 2025 – 2027. The agreement includes concrete agreements regarding the construction, maintenance, and accessibility of playgrounds and parks in Bonaire. By working together, safe and inspiring play areas become more accessible for all children in Bonaire, allowing them to develop physically, socially, and emotionally.
Nina den Heyer, Deputy of Society & Care Bonaire:
We are extremely happy with the signing of this agreement. It is an important step in improving the living environment for our children. By working together with Jantje Beton and VWS, we can ensure that the right to play for all children in Bonaire is guaranteed. The playground in Nieuw Amsterdam is a great example of what we can achieve together.
Vincent Karremans, Secretary of State for VWS:
Playing is super important for children. First and foremost, of course, to have fun together. But also to be outside and move around, which helps them feel good physically and mentally. We will work together with Bonaire and Jantje Beton to ensure that more play areas are created where children can easily and safely go. So that there is a cheerful and healthy alternative for every child and parent instead of sitting at home with a screen.”
Mascha van Werven, Director of Jantje Beton:
Jantje Beton is committed to the importance of play for all children, regardless of where they live. This Play Agreement makes it possible to improve the play climate in Bonaire and reach as many children as possible. Recently, with funding from VWS and OLB, we have been able to develop four play areas. In 2024, we will again receive a wonderful contribution, this time from the National Postcode Lottery, allowing us to create two more play and meeting areas in Bonaire. We cannot do this alone; we need the OLB and VWS for that. We are extremely happy with this collaboration and the steps we can take together to make play accessible for all children in Bonaire.
About Jantje Beton
Jantje Beton is a leading organization in outdoor play and has been committed to childrens right to play safely and freely outside for over 50 years. Playing is not only fun but also crucial for childrens physical, social, and mental development.
As an expert in outdoor play, Jantje Beton collaborates with municipalities, schools, community initiatives, and other partners to improve play environments and encourage children to play outside more. With their in-depth knowledge of play space development, research into playful behavior, and years of practical experience, they support projects and initiatives that contribute to a play-friendly environment. They do this both in the Netherlands and in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom, where they work with local authorities and communities on sustainable play solutions. Because wherever a child lives, outdoor play should be possible every day!