The last area we’re going to tackle in De Donken is the playground at the Ericastichting. The site is situated in the heart of the neighbourhood and borders three primary schools. The area is currently used mainly for sports, but there is plenty of space to expand this with play equipment and additional green spaces. This will create a lovely place where children can enjoy themselves, both during and after school hours.
We asked schoolchildren what they thought was important for a new playground. We used their input as the basis for the design. The schoolchildren were therefore delighted when they saw the first draft design. Following consultation sessions with local residents and a meeting with the organisers of the Ericacup, we refined the plan. The result can be seen here.
The new playground is particularly suitable for children aged 6 to 12. For younger children aged 0 to 6, there is a water play area, a basket swing and shorter slides. For those aged 12 and over, we have the sports pitches.
There are plenty of places to play together: for example, by the hill with four different slides side by side, the double cable car or the basket swing. The 6-metre-high climbing pyramid offers a bit more of a challenge. For some good old-fashioned mess-making, the youngest children can let off steam at the sand and water play area. A path has been laid out for children in wheelchairs, making the whole site accessible.
Several mounds have been created on the site, where the grass is allowed to grow a little wilder. You’ll also soon be able to sit in the shade under the trees. The Tiny Forest in the corner of the site, created by children from De Gong, will be retained. Additional lighting will be installed along the cycle and footpaths surrounding the playground.
The basketball court is used a lot, so it’s coming back. We’re replacing the football cage with a new, low-noise one. The grass football pitch has been made slightly more compact, as some children felt that the goals were quite far apart. To make it clear where the outer boundary of the pitch is, we have built small embankments with rough grass around it, so it is obvious when the ball is ‘out’.
Do you have any further questions about the plans?
Read the frequently asked questions hereWe are going to clarify the traffic situation on Rademakersdonk. The double zebra crossing will be converted into a single zebra crossing. Planters will be installed in the areas where parking is prohibited, so that there is no further confusion about this. On the carriageway, near the church, we will apply road markings to make it clear that parking is permitted there.
Viewed from De Gong, there are two walking routes leading to the large playground: via the semi-paved path and the zebra crossing past the Ericastichting, or the shorter route leading directly to the playground, via the central island and over the hill.
Work is due to start in the autumn of 2025. The playground is expected to be fully completed in the spring of 2026. The exact schedule depends on factors such as the weather and the delivery of materials. As soon as the schedule is finalised, we will inform local residents by letter. You can also find further information on this webpage.
Do you have any questions? Or would you like more information?
René Olde Rikkert
r.olderikkert@apeldoorn.nl
