Gorssel unveils new adventure playground for kids with €50,000 subsidy boost
Families in Gorssel can now enjoy a brand-new adventure playground at De Bolderhoek, thanks to a subsidy from the Lochem Sport and Exercise Agreement. The playground offers natural play elements, a cycling track, and water features, encouraging kids to stay active while boosting local biodiversity.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | De Bolderhoek, Gorssel (Gelderland) |
| Opening Date | May 9, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM |
| Subsidy Source | Lochem Sport and Exercise Agreement |
| Subsidy Amount (2026) | €50,000 available for local projects |
| Playground Features | Adventure play structures, cycling track, water play area, shaded spots |
| Organizer | Playground Association De Bolderhoek |
| Contact for Subsidies | Christian, association support worker |
The Municipality of Lochem plays a key role in promoting sports and exercise through initiatives like the Sport and Exercise Agreement, which funds local projects that encourage physical activity. Playground associations, such as De Bolderhoek, rely on these subsidies to enhance community spaces and foster healthier lifestyles for residents.
Read the full translated article below
New adventure playground at De Bolderhoek
On the edge of Gorssel and at the start of the Gorsselse heath lies Playground De Bolderhoek. At this beautiful location, Playground Association De Bolderhoek has been working for years to be the go-to meeting place for children and their parents. Anyone who visited the playground recently will certainly have seen it. A brand-new adventure playground has been installed that immediately catches the eye! Made possible in part by the subsidy fund from the Sport and Exercise Agreement.
The new adventure playground at De Bolderhoek on the edge of Gorssel.
Natural play
The five-member board of the playground association has a clear wish: to create more space for natural play and increase biodiversity. “We want to create more adventure in the playground with differences in height and challenge children to get moving. And all in a rural setting,” says the board. The cycling track was installed earlier. A dream for any child who wants to pedal just a little harder. In 2024, the water play area was added. A place where young and old seek refreshment on hot days. The trees recently planted provide shaded spots and add more variety to the play meadow.
Subsidy from the Sport and Exercise Agreement
The new adventure playground fits perfectly with this development. Thanks in part to a subsidy from the Lochem Sport and Exercise Agreement, it was possible to purchase the equipment. A board member heard about the subsidy and decided to investigate whether De Bolderhoek could make use of it. “We weren’t sure if our idea matched the goals and ambitions of the agreement, but we decided to give it a try,” says board member Mijke van Os.
Tips for exercise
Exercise professionals contributed to the design of the playground. They advised which elements would help children move better and make the playground fun and challenging. These tips have been incorporated into all aspects. Once the maintenance plan was ready, it turned out the application was actually quite feasible. The municipality granted the subsidy. This was also due to a clear and achievable plan to get more residents of the municipality moving. The playground association also demonstrated that they would take long-term care of the playground and organize activities.
Within a few months, the plan became a reality. Young and old can now use the playground at any time of day. The board also sees opportunities for boot camps, sports groups, and celebrating children’s parties.
Grand opening on May 9
The official opening of the adventure playground is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Together with Welzijn Lochem, it will be a celebration for the entire neighborhood. Parents, children, local residents, grandparents: everyone is welcome to come admire and try out the playground!
2026 subsidy scheme
A tip for organizations wondering if a subsidy from the Sport and Exercise Agreement is suitable for their idea? Contact association support worker Christian. He can indicate whether an idea fits within the agreement and assist with the application. For 2026, €50,000 is available for plans that get Lochem residents moving more. Visit www.lochem.nl/sportakkoord for more information.