De Donken is one of the areas within the De Maten neighbourhood. It is a neighbourhood with many single-family homes. These are mainly terraced houses, situated in residential estates. There are also blocks of flats. Like the rest of De Maten, it is a green neighbourhood with plenty of cycle paths and footpaths. De Donken has a population of around 5,100, comprising a mix of young and old.
Research shows that De Donken scores about average when compared with other parts of Apeldoorn. Many people have lived here for a long time and are attached to their neighbourhood. They give it a 7.5 for quality of life. Most residents feel reasonably to fairly healthy. Their sense of happiness is rated at 7.8.
De Donken doesn’t have its own shopping centre, but fortunately the shops at De Eglantier aren’t far away. People enjoy shopping there. There’s also a good range of schools nearby. And there’s a local community centre, the DonkHuus, where all sorts of activities are organised. The station, which is right next to the neighbourhood, is also very convenient.
At the same time, there are areas of concern. For example, incomes in De Donken are lower than the average for Apeldoorn. This can make people more vulnerable to setbacks. And one in three residents feels more or less lonely. Community ties could therefore be improved. Furthermore, there are few facilities for young people.
Finally: De Donken is almost fifty years old. The neighbourhood could do with a bit of a revamp. We’ve already got started on that. As we set about improving the neighbourhood, we’ll immediately look at whether we can tackle other issues. For example, can we make it easier for you to meet up with one another outdoors? Can we make the neighbourhood more sustainable, greener and safer? Together with the local community, we’ll assess what’s needed. The following pages set out what we’ll be working on.
Over the coming period*, six areas will receive particular attention. First and foremost, the neighbourhood’s identity: how can we strengthen this lovely neighbourhood? We are working on public spaces, such as the streets. And on the social environment, so that everyone feels at home. Safety is on the agenda, for example tackling speeding. We’re looking at mobility and local amenities, such as keeping local shops open. And together, we’re making the neighbourhood more sustainable.
* Some of the action points have now been implemented.
|
Objective |
Action/Point for attention |
Who |
|
A fresh, green neighbourhood |
Some of the greenery needs replacing. We’ll be tackling that. We’re also looking into whether we can create more and more varied green spaces. And we’re encouraging residents to help with the maintenance. We’re also looking into whether extra litter bins are needed. We actively support people who clear up litter. |
The local council, residents, contributors, Stimenz, housing associations, Heel Apeldoorn Rein, Zero Waste Apeldoorn |
|
People know where to find Samen055 |
Through Samen055, organisations work together to support local residents. We let residents know what’s available. |
Samen055, local authority |
|
More interaction between residents |
Together, we’re doing our best to improve interaction between residents. For example, by involving them in activities. Fortunately, there’s already a lot going on, such as neighbourhood support and activities at the Donkhuus. We keep people informed about what’s on offer. And we make room for new ideas. |
Local council, residents, housing associations, schools, contributors, Stimenz, Don Bosco, Donkhuus, Huis van Ontmoeting |
|
Less loneliness and poverty |
We support initiatives to reduce loneliness. And we are looking at what we can do for residents who do not have enough money for the bare essentials and basic services. |
Samen055, Stimenz, residents, neighbourhood team, Mooiland |
|
Residents who are tech-savvy |
We help residents with things such as computers, websites and DigiD. |
Samen055, Digicoach, CODA, Huis van Ontmoeting |
|
Safer roads |
We will be stepping up checks for speeding and illegal parking. We will also be investigating unsafe situations. In addition, we will be providing information on traffic regulations and the use of hire scooters. |
Local council, police, residents, contributors |
|
Less disruption among young people |
We are continuing our efforts to minimise nuisance caused by young people in the neighbourhood. In doing so, we are also focusing specifically on young teenagers. |
Local council, police, Samen055 |
|
Less disruption at schools |
Driving schoolchildren to and from school causes disruption. We encourage people to cycle instead. |
Schools, local council, police |
|
Save more energy |
We provide tips on saving energy. We also highlight the Energiepunt, as well as the schemes available to people who are struggling to pay their energy bills. |
Local Council, Woonmensen, Energiepunt |
|
Fewer shopping trolleys in the neighbourhood |
Sometimes people just leave shopping trolleys lying around. We’re raising awareness of this issue in the local newspaper and at the shops. |
Local authorities, businesses, housing associations |
|
An alternative to the letterbox |
Some residents find it a problem that there are fewer and fewer letterboxes in the neighbourhood. We are looking into a solution. |
Samen055, local authority, healthcare organisations |
|
Objective |
Action/Point for attention |
Who |
|
A clean neighbourhood |
Sometimes people leave rubbish outside the bins. We’re going to carry out more checks and install extra lighting where necessary. |
Local authorities, housing associations |
|
A revitalised neighbourhood |
De Donken is in need of a refurbishment. Some of the streets, footpaths and playgrounds are outdated. We are working with residents to assess what is needed. We are also immediately addressing the subsidence caused by the laying of fibre-optic cables. And we are tackling the area around the renovated apartment blocks. |
Local authority, residents, stakeholders, Stimenz, housing associations, fibre-optic operator |
|
Supporting great initiatives |
Residents have great ideas for improving the neighbourhood. Apeldoorn’s initiative fund can help bring these plans to fruition. We let residents know what’s possible. |
Local council, residents, contributors, Stimenz, housing associations, Samen055 |
|
A warmer welcome for tenants |
Among the new tenants in the neighbourhood are people who are vulnerable and could do with a helping hand. We are looking into whether we can set up a sort of ‘Welcome to the neighbourhood’ scheme for these and other newcomers. |
Local council, residents, housing associations, police, Samen055, Stimenz |
|
Lower crime rates in the Bronsgietersdonk area |
Residents in the Bronsgietersdonk area regularly experience nuisance. We take action whenever there are signs of criminal activity or drug dealing. |
Local authority, residents, police, housing associations |
|
Suitable public transport |
For some residents, the removal of bus stops is a problem. We are discussing this with the provincial authorities. |
Municipality, county |
|
Plan for the energy transition |
We are working towards making parts of De Maten natural gas-free by 2030. We are drawing up a plan for this in collaboration with the neighbourhood. We are also looking at how residents can make their homes more sustainable. In the long term, there will likely be a single heating system for the whole neighbourhood. |
Local authority, ‘De Energieke Maten’ citizens’ initiative, residents, owners’ associations, housing associations, Liander |
|
Enough charging points |
We are looking into whether more charging points are needed. |
Local authority, residents, market |
|
Objective |
Action/Point for attention |
Who |
|
Enhancing the character of the neighbourhood + encouraging more social interaction |
If residents have ideas for creating or improving meeting places or neighbourhoods, we’ll look into how we can take this forward. We’ll incorporate these ideas into the regeneration programmes. |
Local authority, residents, housing associations, Stimenz |
|
No more flooding |
Residents of Bronsgietersdonk are sometimes affected by burst water pipes. We are looking into how we can resolve this. |
Vitens |
|
Clarity on water quality |
Many residents are unsure about the quality of the water in the ponds. We provide information on this. |
Local authority, Water board |
|
Activities out in the countryside |
The green spaces in the neighbourhood are ideal for socialising. We want to organise more activities here. |
Stimenz, Samen055, residents |
|
Preservation of shops and other amenities |
It is very important to residents that the social facilities and range of shops at De Eglantier remain up to standard. We are doing our best to ensure that this remains the case. |
Housing associations, Samen055, the local council, residents, business owners |
|
More car-sharing vehicles |
We are aiming to increase the number of car-sharing vehicles in the neighbourhood. |
Local authority, residents, market |
Would you like more information about the vitality agenda?
Get in touch
