Utrecht starts construction of two new sports fields at Nieuw Welgelegen
Residents of Utrecht Southwest can soon enjoy two new sports fields at Sportpark Nieuw Welgelegen. The expansion aims to meet growing demand for sports facilities as the city continues to grow, benefiting local clubs and communities.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Sportpark Nieuw Welgelegen, Utrecht (western side) |
| Phase 1 Construction | Two new sports fields (baseball/softball combined field with upgrades) |
| Sports Involved | Baseball, softball, potential football or hockey fields |
| Stakeholders | Zwaluwen (multi-sport association), Domstad Dodgers (baseball/softball) |
| Decision Basis | Variant study (costs, space, public support, implementation time) |
| Next Steps | Finalizing functional design and requirements program |
| Phase 2 Timeline | Dependent on funding and location for Domstad Dodgers |
The Utrecht municipal executive board oversees the development and maintenance of local sports facilities, ensuring they meet the needs of a growing population. This project aligns with their responsibility to provide accessible and high-quality recreational spaces for residents.
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Expansion of Sportpark Nieuw Welgelegen begins with two new fields
The municipal executive board has made a decision regarding the expansion of Sportpark Nieuw Welgelegen. The variant study has been finalized, examining how four additional sports fields can be integrated in two phases. Based on a comprehensive assessment, including space usage, costs, implementation time, spatial quality, and public support, variant B has been chosen as the preferred option. This means that in the first phase, two new sports fields will be constructed on the western side of the park. Baseball and softball will receive a new combined field with improved lighting and drainage, as requested by the municipal council in late 2025 through two motions.
Councillor Eva Oosters (Sports) stated: “With this decision, we can move forward, and I am pleased about that. Utrecht is growing rapidly, and so is the demand for sports facilities. Nieuw Welgelegen is one of the few places where we can expand, which is crucial for both current and future residents of Southwest.”
The variant study was widely discussed over the past year with local residents, sports clubs, school boards, and other stakeholders. Dozens of responses were also received via DenkMee. Based on this input and the adopted motions, the study was refined in a few areas, but the preferred variant remains unchanged. Many ideas from the community will be incorporated into the next step, where the design and requirements program will be developed.
We are now finalizing the functional design and requirements program for phase 1. In this phase, two fields will be constructed on the western side of the sports park. Consultations with the multi-sport association Zwaluwen will determine whether these will be football or hockey fields. Additionally, discussions will be held with Domstad Dodgers regarding a temporary combined field.
The second phase, which will add two more fields, will follow later. This can only proceed once sufficient financial resources are available and a new, suitable location has been found for the baseball and softball club Domstad Dodgers. Until then, the club will continue to play at the new combined field within the sports park.