Between the Donken

Cyclists and walkers

We have received complaints from local residents about (near) collisions between cyclists and pedestrians. In the new proposal, we have therefore separated the cycle path and footpath as much as possible. You can cycle on the tarmac path, and walk on the paved and semi-paved paths.

The tarmac cycle path curves off towards Gildelaan, heading for the junction with Eglantierlaan, so that cyclists passing through are less likely to cycle through the shopping centre. Cyclists who are actually heading for the shopping centre can, of course, still get there.

You can also walk along the cycle path. This is necessary, for example, to reach house numbers 109–115. Under the new arrangements, however, it is possible to take the quiet walking route where cycling is not permitted.

Green

The existing trees are beautiful and will be preserved. Only a group of trees to the south of the doctor’s surgery will be replaced because they are in poor condition. New trees will be planted. We propose planting walnut trees there.

We’re going to convert a large part of the lawn into a flower-rich lawn. This is good for various types of insects and looks lovely.

Parking

We are also making changes to the parking spaces in various locations. The bays are being widened so that all of them can be used effectively. In some places, a bay will be removed, whilst in others, new bays will be added.

Play area for young children

Local residents have approached the council to request the creation of a play area for young children, as there is currently no suitable play area in the area between Marskramersdonk, Gildenlaan, Rademakersdonk and the ponds/Koperslagersdonk. The local residents have identified the football pitch near the block of flats on Tingietersdonk (opposite the former GP surgery) as a potential location. The local council considered this a suitable location and has given its approval. In consultation with local residents, Bureau Koppelaar has drawn up a design for a green, natural play area for children up to around 8 years old. Here, children can explore various forms of play, such as building and imaginative play, climbing, active play and ball games.

A natural play area

The play area includes, amongst other things, a sand play structure set on a sandy surface, deliberately positioned in the middle of the field so that the sand stays cleaner thanks to the sun. There will be paths running through the play area, accessible to pushchairs and great fun for children with balance bikes or pedal bikes. One of the paths goes over a play hill for an extra challenge. For adventurous toddlers and pre-schoolers, there will be a climbing frame with soft sand as a safe surface.

Football pitches

For younger children, there will be informal football goals made up of four posts, so that older children are more likely to head over to the large grass pitch further along. This ensures that the play area remains attractive and safe for younger children.

The boundary between public space and private gardens

Where the ground-floor flats border on the public space, we will create a clear boundary. At present, the gardens sometimes encroach onto the public space. To clarify the boundary, we will install a hedge approximately 80 cm high along the boundary. Next to this, there will be a narrow strip of paving, so that the hedge can be maintained by the local council.

These plans will make ‘Tussen de Donken’ a more pleasant and safer area for everyone, with space for both relaxation and socialising.