Radio Kootwijk is a unique place. The historic radio transmitter attracts many tourists. Right next to it lies the village, which was once built for the staff. It now has around 100 residents. Some of them lived through the days when the transmitter was still in operation. Others moved here later, drawn by the peace, quiet and greenery. Together, they form a close-knit community of people who look out for one another.
Recently, we have been working with the village to identify what is needed to ensure life here remains good. We held a village evening. We also went door-to-door to talk to people. We looked at data about the area. And we have been in contact with local organisations.
One thing was immediately clear: most people enjoy living here and want to continue living here. But many residents are getting on in years. They wonder whether there will be any care – at home or elsewhere – available for them in the future. After all, the village is quite remote, far from amenities.
As Radio Kootwijk is situated in a protected nature reserve, there are other challenges too. For example, the regulations make it difficult to build new houses or to give old buildings a new lease of life. Making homes more sustainable is also complicated. Nevertheless, there are ideas for this, and the village is keen to get started on them.
And, of course, traffic in and around this area is a cause for concern. People like to come here to have a look around. But that clashes with the tranquillity that is so characteristic of this area. We want to see if there are any smart solutions to this.
We have drawn up an agenda for the coming years, setting out the issues we will be tackling together. In doing so, we will keep a close eye on the three core values of this neighbourhood: ‘Peace, quiet and darkness’. Together, we are committed to ensuring a bright future for Radio Kootwijk.
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Objective |
Action/Point for attention |
Who |
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Long-term (home) care |
We are doing our best to ensure that home care remains available in Radio Kootwijk, even if more care is needed in the future. Residents can call Samen055/Stimenz with any questions about the range of (home) care services on offer. |
Samen055, Stimenz |
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New activities in the village |
There are some great ideas for new activities at Radio Kootwijk. Villagers and the village council are working together to see what they can organise. |
Village council, residents |
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Consultations between the village and Staatsbosbeheer |
The village council and Staatsbosbeheer (the owner of the land and buildings) will resume regular consultations regarding the village and the surrounding area. |
Village Council, Staatsbosbeheer |
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Less litter |
Together with DemenTalent, we’re looking into whether we can organise a regular clean-up session for the village. For example, once a month, followed by a cup of coffee. |
DemenTalent, Samen055, Stimenz, residents |
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Easy parking system for visitors |
Residents sometimes find it difficult to register visitors in the parking system. We are looking into whether this can be made easier. |
Municipality |
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Transport plan for the village |
There is quite a lot of traffic coming into the village. Staatsbosbeheer is looking into whether there might be an alternative. For example, by channelling the traffic. |
Staatsbosbeheer |
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No drug-related nuisance |
The neighbourhood police officer will be carrying out more frequent checks on Turfbergweg. We hope this will help prevent drug-related nuisance in that area. |
Police |
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Sustainable home ownership |
Many residents want to make their homes more sustainable. The council’s Energy Point can help by providing advice and information. |
Residents, local authority |
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Objective |
Action/Point for attention |
Who |
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Greater understanding between ‘long-standing’ and ‘new’ residents |
‘Long-standing’ and ‘new’ residents of Radio Kootwijk sometimes view developments differently. Both groups are keen to get to know each other better. The Theaterloods and De Droomfabriek are organising an activity to this end. |
Village Council, Theatre Shed, Dream Factory |
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The area around the old hotel has been cleared |
The site of the old hotel is a bit of a mess. We are working with Staatsbosbeheer to see how it can be tidied up. |
Staatsbosbeheer, local authority |
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More sport on the old football pitch |
We want to draw up a plan together for the old football pitch. The idea is that you’ll soon be able to play both football and boules here. The village council is organising a themed evening on this subject. |
Village council, local authority, DemenTalent, residents |
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Reducing traffic congestion |
It is important for the natural environment and the village that there isn’t too much traffic. We are going to count the volume of traffic heading into the village. And we are looking into whether people can also park outside the sensitive area. From there, they could then travel to the village by, for example, an electric shuttle bus or shared bikes. |
Village Council, Staatsbosbeheer, local council |
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Taxi service for the village |
Taxi transport to and from Radio Kootwijk is difficult. However, some residents do need it. The village would like to help find a solution: perhaps we, as residents, could organise the journeys ourselves? The village council is holding a themed evening on this topic. |
Village council, residents |
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Objective |
Action/Point for attention |
Who |
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Better (cycle) paths and roads |
We are looking into whether we can improve access to Radio Kootwijk via cycle paths and roads. However, we want to do so in a way that does not harm the natural environment or the village. |
Staatsbosbeheer, residents, local council |
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A new lease of life for the old hotel |
There are also ideas to refurbish the derelict hotel. Perhaps it could be used as a hotel again, or converted into flats. Staatsbosbeheer will look into what is possible. |
Staatsbosbeheer, local authority |
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Generating energy together |
In Radio Kootwijk, it’s quite complicated to make your own home more sustainable. Part of the village is a listed village landscape. And many houses are situated in the woods: not ideal for solar panels. We’re therefore going to look into whether we can generate energy together. For example, with a solar park. The village council is organising a themed evening on this topic. |
Village council, residents, local authority, and possibly Staatsbosbeheer |
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