De Leuke Linde play area has been a well-known spot in Arnhem for many years. To make the playground accessible to all children, including those with disabilities, and to create an even better place to play and meet, the site is being renovated. The renewal of De Leuke Linde is part of the broader National Program Arnhem-East to strengthen the living environment in the neighborhood. The start of construction of a new, sustainable community building on the site marks the next step.
A place to meet each other
The new building will be an accessible place where neighborhood residents can meet. The old caretaker building has been demolished and replaced by a new, sustainable building. The building will include space for toilets, an office, and a meeting room for the De Leuke Linde foundation. There will also be a large room that can accommodate 40 to 50 people. Additionally, the building will have a kitchen and, thanks to a serving hatch, there will be the possibility to sell food items.
Alderman for public space Bob Roelofs was present at the start of construction. Roelofs: “Many people from Arnhem and surroundings know De Leuke Linde. In the 1930s, a playground opened on this spot, which became De Leuke Linde in the 1970s. The playground has always evolved with the times. Today, it is a place where children can play and people can meet. The new community building is a nice next step in this.”
De Leuke Linde play area
De Leuke Linde play area welcomes approximately 30,000 visitors annually, from the neighborhood and beyond. The playground is entirely run by volunteers from the De Leuke Linde foundation. Together with the municipality of Arnhem and the National Program Arnhem-East, they have made a plan to ensure that De Leuke Linde remains accessible to all children, parents, and grandparents.
Several steps have already been taken recently. A new play field has been created that also collects water during heavy rainfall. Additionally, a new cycling track has been built and new play equipment has been installed. In the future, there will also be a water play area, a play area for toddlers, and more greenery on the site. Furthermore, the existing Krajicek Playground will be renovated. The goal is to complete the work by the end of this year.
Investing in the living environment of Arnhem-East
A large part of the investment is made possible by the National Program Arnhem-East. Within this program, residents and organizations work together for a better future for five neighborhoods in Arnhem-East. Investments are also made in the living environment, in places where residents meet and children can play and grow up safely, such as De Leuke Linde. The program is committed to providing current and future generations with fair choices and equal opportunities so they can develop their talents optimally.
Cathelijne Bouwkamp, alderman Arnhem-East: “Within the National Program Arnhem-East, places like De Leuke Linde are very important. People and children from the neighborhood can meet here and children can play and further develop themselves. This way, we work within the program towards a pleasant living environment for everyone.”