The future

In recent years, the playground has had to make do with less and less money. Due to lockdown measures during the Covid pandemic, the playground was forced to close. Consequently, many parents canceled their membership with the association, as they needed the money themselves. This money was usually spent on fixed costs like gas and electricity, which the funds received from the municipality did not cover.

By means of a legislative trick, the playground was reopened in February 2021. The trick, conceived by the Law Department in the municipality of Leiden, ensured that from then on playgrounds were listed as public spaces. Unfortunately, this did not mark the return of previous members of the playground association. The association does still receive some money from its clubhouse.

Nonetheless, it would be a shame if playgrounds would cease to exist. For a lot of children a playground is a beautiful place to learn about the outside world and to exercise while playing. It is a healthy environment where children can train both their social and physical skills.

Let's hope that this playground will still be around in 100 years from now.