Zwartewaterland residents transform neighborhoods with €342,000 in livability vouchers
Eleven community-driven projects in Zwartewaterland will soon turn residents' dreams into reality, thanks to nearly €342,000 in livability vouchers. From playgrounds to cultural hubs, these initiatives aim to make neighborhoods greener, safer, and more social for all ages.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Municipality | Zwartewaterland |
| Initiative Name | Enrich Your Neighborhood |
| Total Funding | €342,000 |
| Number of Winning Plans | 11 |
| Villages Involved | Genemuiden, Hasselt, Zwartsluis, Rural Areas |
| Votes Cast by Residents | Thousands |
| Selection Process | Independent jury + resident voting |
| Winning Plan Examples | Indoor play area (Genemuiden), nautical roundabout (Zwartsluis), etc. |
| Implementation Timeline | Starting immediately |
The municipality of Zwartewaterland plays a key role in fostering local livability by funding and facilitating resident-led initiatives. Through programs like 'Enrich Your Neighborhood,' it empowers communities to shape their own environments while ensuring public funds are allocated based on democratic participation.
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Eleven golden plans win livability vouchers in 'Enrich Your Neighborhood' initiative
Eleven resident-led initiatives have won livability vouchers in the 'Enrich Your Neighborhood' election organized by the municipality of Zwartewaterland. With this contribution, the initiators can now implement their plans to create a more beautiful, greener, or cozier neighborhood. The prize ceremony took place during a festive and well-attended evening at the town hall in Hasselt. Over the past few weeks, thousands of residents cast their votes for their favorite plans.
'Enrich Your Neighborhood' gave residents of Zwartewaterland the opportunity to submit their own ideas to improve their street, neighborhood, or village. This round saw the municipality receive over fifty submissions. Together with an independent jury, the municipality selected 36 golden plans from these submissions. These plans competed in the election and were eligible for a livability voucher.
During an initiative market in December, initiators presented their plans to residents. Afterward, residents could vote for their favorite ideas. All votes were tallied, and the plans with the most votes received a livability voucher, provided the available budget per village or rural area allowed for it. In total, the municipality of Zwartewaterland is distributing nearly €342,000 in livability vouchers in this round of 'Enrich Your Neighborhood'.
Impressed
Mayor Judith Compagner was impressed by the enthusiasm of the residents. “It’s wonderful to see how much involvement there is in our villages and rural areas. Residents come up with their own ideas to make their surroundings more beautiful or cozier. 'Enrich Your Neighborhood' shows just how much energy and creativity there is in Zwartewaterland.”
In Genemuiden, three plans received livability vouchers. The initiators aim to create new spaces for play, socializing, and enjoying nature and culture. For example, an indoor play area will be added near the animal pasture De Taghof, the Genemuiden City Museum will get a welcoming redesign with an indoor garden and lanterns, and a meeting and play spot by the water will be created for all ages.
Play and meeting spots
In Hasselt, three golden plans also received funding. These plans focus on improving play and meeting spots and enhancing the living environment. For instance, the natural playground on Willem Egbertsstraat will be expanded, an inclusive play device will be added to Bagijnenkamp playground, and Justitie Bastion will get a greener and safer redesign with parking spaces and landscaping.
In Zwartsluis, four plans received livability vouchers. These plans strengthen culture, social interaction, and the maritime identity of the village. They include nautical redesign of the roundabout, making youth center Esclusa safer and more attractive, expanding the Adventure Trail with new play equipment, and organizing small-scale cultural evenings with Zwartsluis Bruist.
Refreshed
In the rural areas, one plan emerged as the winner. This initiative will refresh De Driester on Kamperzeedijk. The outdated kitchen and interior will be renovated, and the terrace will be made more comfortable and accessible. This will ensure the building remains a welcoming meeting place for young and old.
“This isn’t the end,” concluded alderman Harrie Rietman at the festive closing of 'Enrich Your Neighborhood'. “It’s really just the beginning to make Zwartewaterland even more beautiful together.” With the livability vouchers, the initiators can now get to work implementing their plans. This will give residents’ ideas a visible place in the villages and rural areas of Zwartewaterland.
Winning golden plans
- Rural areas1. The vibrant community hub refreshed!
- Genemuiden1. Enrich De Taghof2. A welcoming Genemuiden City Museum3. Meeting and play spot with a connection to nature
- Hasselt1. WE playground grows for everyone!2. Inclusive play device for Bagijnenkamp playground3. Parking and recreation
- Zwartsluis1. Nautical roundabout Zwartsluis2. Youth center Esclusa: a place for Zwartsluis’ future3. Adventure Trail 2.044. Zwartsluis Bruist – Culture close to home
Read more about the initiatives at www.leefbaarzwartewaterland.nl.