New policy to safeguard village community centers and sports facilities for future generations
Local villages face challenges in keeping community centers, sports facilities, and cultural venues open due to rising costs and volunteer shortages. A new policy aims to ensure these vital spaces remain accessible, focusing on social impact and sustainability for residents.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Policy Focus | Accommodation and subsidy policy for village amenities |
| Stakeholders Involved | Village councils, sports clubs, cultural associations, welfare organizations |
| Guiding Principle | Positive Health (social interaction, participation, well-being, movement) |
| Challenges | Aging populations, rising costs, volunteer commitment |
| Next Steps | Further discussions with stakeholders, policy development |
| Contact for Questions | Schagen Municipality Contact Form |
The municipality of Schagen is responsible for developing policies that support local amenities, ensuring they remain accessible and sustainable for residents. This includes providing subsidies and frameworks to help villages maintain community centers, sports facilities, and cultural venues.
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external link to whydonate.comRead the full translated article below
We are working on the future of village community centers, sports facilities, and cultural venues
Since September 2025, we have been working on a new accommodation and subsidy policy. With this policy, we aim to ensure that meeting places, sports facilities, and other amenities remain important for villages in the future.
What has been done so far?
Since the start, we have held discussions with village councils, advisory bodies, and other involved organizations. A questionnaire was also distributed among facility managers. The conversations reveal a clear picture: amenities play a crucial role in villages. They foster meetings, activities, and connections between residents.
At the same time, amenities are under pressure. Due to aging populations, rising costs, and the significant commitment required from volunteers, it is not a given that everything can remain as it is.
What are we aiming for?
In the new policy, we are not only looking at buildings but especially at the social contribution of amenities. Positive Health is our guiding principle, meaning amenities contribute to social interaction, participation, well-being, and movement.
In future decisions, we will consider, among other things:
- the social contribution of an amenity;
- usage and accessibility;
- collaboration and multifunctional use;
- organizational strength and self-reliance;
- future-proofing and financial feasibility.
What’s next?
In the coming period, we will engage in further discussions with sports clubs, cultural associations, village councils, welfare organizations, and other stakeholders. The guiding principles will be further developed and translated into concrete choices and scenarios.
Our villages have strong associations and dedicated volunteers who contribute greatly to livability. With the new policy, we aim to work with residents and organizations to explore how amenities can continue to foster social interaction, movement, and participation in the future. By continuing the dialogue, we can make choices that align with the strengths of our villages.
Puck de Nijs-Visser
Councillor
After this participatory phase, the policy will be further developed. For questions, residents can contact us via the contact form.