Haarlemmermeer transforms paved areas into green spaces equivalent to three football pitches
Residents of Haarlemmermeer are enjoying a greener, cooler, and more sustainable living environment as the municipality replaces over 23,700 square metres of paved surfaces with plants and trees. This initiative improves local climate resilience and quality of life for people and wildlife alike.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Total greened area (2026) | 23,700 square metres (over three football pitches) |
| Annual budget (2022–2026) | €390,000 |
| Greening tool | Vergroenmeter (greening meter) |
| Key locations | Herfstpark (Nieuw-Vennep), De President, Nieuw-Vennep Zuid, PolanenPark |
| Benefits | Cooling, rainwater absorption, biodiversity, healthier living spaces |
The Haarlemmermeer municipality is responsible for urban planning and environmental policies within its jurisdiction. This includes initiatives to enhance public spaces, promote sustainability, and collaborate with residents and businesses to create a greener, climate-resilient community.
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Over three football pitches of extra green space in Haarlemmermeer
Out with the tiles, in with the plants! The Haarlemmermeer municipality has been working hard in recent years to create a greener living environment. By early 2026, a total of 22,300 square metres of paved surfaces have already been replaced with greenery. And that’s not all: projects currently being completed will bring the total to approximately 23,700 square metres. That’s over three football pitches’ worth of additional green space in the municipality.
How much area has been greened exactly? The municipality keeps track using the ‘vergroenmeter’ (greening meter). This tool shows how many stones, tiles, and asphalt have been replaced by plants, trees, and green strips. Step by step, it makes Haarlemmermeer’s transformation into a greener place visible.
From small plant beds to large parks
The greening efforts are taking place in all kinds of locations. Sometimes it involves small adjustments in a neighbourhood, such as replacing tiles with plant beds. But there are also larger projects, like the Herfstpark (Autumn Park) in Nieuw-Vennep, where extra greenery has been added to the design.
For the period 2022–2026, the municipality allocates €390,000 annually to green the public space. Where possible, it collaborates with residents and businesses.
Good for people, animals, and the climate
More greenery in the neighbourhood offers many benefits. It provides cooling on hot days, helps absorb rainwater better, and creates more space for plants and animals. Green spaces also make the environment more pleasant and healthier to live and work in.
Deputy pleased with the results
Deputy Steffens – van der Water: “It’s wonderful to see how more and more spots in our municipality are becoming greener. With the greening meter, we show how many steps we’re taking. Every tile that makes way for a plant or tree helps: it makes our neighbourhoods more beautiful, cooler, and better for nature.”
Industrial areas are also getting involved
It’s not just residential areas that are becoming greener. Industrial zones are also paying more attention to adding greenery. The municipality is working with park management organisations on plans for locations including De President, Nieuw-Vennep Zuid, and PolanenPark.
In this way, Haarlemmermeer will continue working in the coming years to create a green, attractive, and climate-resilient living environment.