Arnhem's beloved De Leuke Linde playground gets sustainable upgrade with new meeting hub
A new sustainable meeting building is being constructed at Arnhem’s De Leuke Linde playground, making it more accessible for children with disabilities and fostering community connections. The upgrade, part of a broader neighborhood revitalization, will offer modern amenities for 30,000 annual visitors.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Project | Renovation of Bouwspeelplaats De Leuke Linde |
| Location | Arnhem, Gelderland |
| New Building Features | Accessible toilets, office, meeting room, kitchen, space for 40-50 people |
| Annual Visitors | ~30,000 |
| Funding Program | Nationaal Programma Arnhem-Oost |
| Completion Goal | End of 2026 |
| Additional Upgrades | Water play area, toddler zone, greenery, renovated Krajicek Playground |
| Managed By | De Leuke Linde foundation (volunteers) |
The municipality of Arnhem, in collaboration with local foundations, oversees the development and maintenance of public spaces like De Leuke Linde to enhance community well-being. The Nationaal Programma Arnhem-Oost drives neighborhood improvements, ensuring inclusive and sustainable recreational areas for residents.
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Construction started of new meeting building for De Leuke Linde
Bouwspeelplaats De Leuke Linde has been a well-known name 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 area is being renovated. The renewal of De Leuke Linde is part of the broader initiative of the Nationaal Programma Arnhem-Oost to improve the living environment in the neighborhood. With the start of the construction of a new, sustainable meeting building on the site, another step is now being taken.
A place to meet each other
The new building will be an accessible place where residents can meet each other. The old management building has been demolished and a new, sustainable building will take its place. The building will include space for toilets, an office, and a meeting room for the De Leuke Linde foundation. Additionally, there will be a large space for 40 to 50 people. The building will also have a kitchen, and thanks to a serving hatch, there will be the possibility to sell food.
Deputy mayor of public space Bob Roelofs was present at the start of the construction. Roelofs: “Many people from Arnhem and the surrounding area know De Leuke Linde. As early as the 1930s, a playground was opened here, which became De Leuke Linde in the 1970s. The playground has always kept up with the times. Today, it is a place where children can play and people can meet each other. The new meeting building is a beautiful next step in this regard.”
Bouwspeelplaats De Leuke Linde
Bouwspeelplaats De Leuke Linde 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 Nationaal Programma Arnhem-Oost, they have developed a plan to ensure that De Leuke Linde remains accessible to all children, parents, and grandparents.
Recently, several steps have already been taken. For example, a new playground has been built that also collects water during heavy rainfall. Additionally, a new cycling track has been built, and new playground 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 aim is to complete the work by the end of this year.
Investing in the living environment of Arnhem-Oost
A large part of the investment is made possible by the Nationaal Programma Arnhem-Oost. Within this program, residents and organizations work together for a better future for five neighborhoods in Arnhem-Oost. The living environment is also being invested in, in places where residents can meet each other and children can play and grow up safely, such as De Leuke Linde. The program is committed to providing current and new generations with fair choices and equal opportunities so that they can develop their talents to the fullest.
Cathelijne Bouwkamp, deputy mayor of Arnhem-Oost: “Within the Nationaal Programma Arnhem-Oost, 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 is how we work within the program to create a pleasant living environment for everyone.”