Councilor Eva Oosters (Sports): “Every Utrecht resident should be able to play sports – even in neighborhoods where it is less self-evident. Sports connect, are healthy, and provide young people with a place to develop. Therefore, it is good that we also invest in sports facilities in this part of the city, where so many new homes are being built.”

The expansion will happen in two phases. In the first phase, two additional sports fields will be added to the west side of the sports park, where there is currently space and budget for it. In a second phase, two more fields will be added. This can only happen once a new location has been found for the baseball and softball club that is currently on the site, and if there is sufficient budget.

The expansion is necessary due to housing plans in, among others, the Merwedekanaalzone and the Beurskwartier. Thousands of new homes are being built in Southwest, while the number of sports fields has lagged behind. Football and hockey are particularly popular in the neighborhood and are struggling with a shortage of fields, especially among young people. In the new setup, baseball and softball will no longer fit.

Nearby schools, such as UniC, will also benefit from the plans. The expansion of the sports park ensures that UniC can remain and grow at its current location. In other investigated options, the housing of the school could come under pressure.

In the coming time, the municipality will discuss with residents, sports clubs, and other stakeholders. The plans will also be made available for four weeks. The responses will be taken into account in the follow-up.