Maastricht transforms school playground with 10,000 removed tiles for greener future
Maastricht is leading the way in climate resilience by replacing nearly 10,000 tiles with greenery at a local school playground. This initiative not only cools the city but also teaches children the value of nature, while encouraging residents to join the movement.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | KKC De Loper, Groene Loper, Maastricht |
| Total area transformed | Over 3,000 square meters |
| Tiles removed | Nearly 10,000 |
| Greenery added | 60% of the area (plants, shrubs, perennials) |
| Plants to be planted | 850 hedge plants, 25 shrubs, 200 perennials |
| Participants | Children from toddlers to eighth graders |
| Official launch attended by | Alderman Mackus, portfolio holder for green spaces and climate |
| Campaign link | National Tile-Removal Championship |
The Municipality of Maastricht plays a key role in urban climate adaptation by promoting greening initiatives to combat heat stress and improve livability. This project aligns with broader municipal goals to create sustainable, healthy environments for residents, particularly children.
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Maastricht kicks off early with National Tile-Removal Championship: nearly 10,000 tiles removed from KKC De Loper school playground
Maastricht is once again participating in the National Tile-Removal Championship this year. The nationwide kickoff of this campaign takes place on Thursday, March 19, but Maastricht has started even earlier. At Kernkindcentrum (KKC) De Loper on Groene Loper, work began this week to green the school playground. Together with the children, a paved outdoor space is being transformed into a green, healthy, and climate-resilient area.
Nearly 10,000 tiles replaced with greenery
The outdoor space at KKC De Loper has been completely redesigned in recent months. On a site covering over 3,000 square meters, about 60 percent now consists of greenery and play areas. In total, nearly 10,000 paving stones have been removed and replaced with planting and natural play spots.
Children take part in planting
In the coming days, the children of KKC De Loper, along with the Centre for Nature and Environmental Education (CNME), will take the final step in the greening process. Together, they will plant 850 hedge plants, 25 shrubs, and 200 perennials. All children, from toddlers to eighth graders, are participating. In small groups, they will plant their own patch of greenery, literally contributing to a greener future.
Official launch
This morning, Alderman Mackus, portfolio holder for green spaces and climate, attended the official launch of this greening initiative.
Alderman Mackus said: “By replacing tiles with greenery, we make our city more resilient to heat and extreme rainfall. The fact that this is happening here with children makes it even more valuable. They not only experience why greening is necessary but also how enjoyable it is to get their hands dirty. In this way, we are investing in a healthy living environment while raising awareness among the next generation.”
Greenery as a response to climate and livability
Greening paved areas reduces heat stress, improves water drainage, and creates more space for plants and animals. For children, a green outdoor space also offers more play opportunities and greater contact with nature. With projects like this, Maastricht demonstrates that greening is not just a municipal task but something we do together.
Maastricht is calling on residents to also take part in the National Tile-Removal Championship. Remove tiles from your garden and replace them with greenery. Together, we can make the city more beautiful, healthier, and more future-proof.