On Friday, 6 February, the MDL Fund, the Province of Utrecht, and the municipalities of Utrecht and Bunnik jointly opened two nature toilets in Amelisweerd. These two toilets represent an important step to make this natural area more accessible and welcoming to a broader group of people.

Being active and spending time in nature is good for health. Governments and social organizations encourage this. But a natural area is truly accessible only if visitors can use it without worries. This includes good facilities, such as toilets.

Nature for Everyone

Deputy Rob van Muilekom: “The Amelisweerd estate is located on the edge of Utrecht and attracts more than two million walkers and cyclists annually. Until now, there was no fully-fledged public toilet. With the installation of these nature toilets, this is now changing, making visits to the area more feasible and relaxing for more people. The toilets are also wheelchair accessible and spacious. This makes the area more usable for young and old, for people with and without disabilities, for families, recreational users, and athletes. In short: for everyone.”

Small Facility, Big Difference

What started as an initiative by the MDL Fund to support people with stomach, intestinal, and liver diseases touches a much broader social need. The shortage of public toilets limits not only MDL patients but also the elderly, pregnant women, parents with young children, wheelchair users, and basically anyone who suddenly urgently needs a toilet.

Good for People and Nature

Alderman Susanne Schilderman (Public Space): Increasing and improving the number of publicly accessible toilets is very important. The placement of two nature toilets may seem like a small intervention but can make a big difference for visitors. These new toilets are a concrete step towards a more inclusive outdoor space where everyone can participate and enjoy nature.”

Mariël Croon, director of the MDL Fund: “These toilets also help protect nature: no more need to go into the bushes, with all the disturbance and pollution that causes. Nature toilets are therefore good for both people and nature. This is also why the National Postcode Lottery co-finances this type of toilets. We will also add the toilets to the MDL Fund Toilet Guide app so everyone can find them with their phone.”

Sustainable and Self-Sufficient

The toilets are so-called dry toilets. They operate without sewer connection, water, or electricity and process the toilet contents in an environmentally friendly way. The solid waste dries, and the urine evaporates, making the toilet sustainable and low-maintenance, fitting well in a natural area like Amelisweerd.

Collaboration Pays Off

Onno James, alderman of Bunnik: “The nature toilets were realized in close cooperation with the municipality of Utrecht (as estate owner), the province of Utrecht (as subsidy provider) on the territory of the municipality of Bunnik. Through the joint efforts of the MDL Fund and these authorities, a practical solution was found that takes into account both nature and visitor needs. We all emphasize the importance of accessible public toilets in recreation and natural areas.”

For press information:
bernadet.naber@provincie-utrecht.nl
0634543242