Anyone walking through Resort Arcen this summer can’t miss it: the large play area next to the restaurant has been completely renewed. A true eye-catcher now stands proudly in its place—impressive in size and full of activity. Children climb, parents join them up top, and the animation team runs relay races through it. This is more than just a playground—it’s a place that connects people.
“The previous structure was around 17 years old,” says Alex Mulder, head of the animation team. “We noticed small cracks starting to form. It was still safe, but clearly in need of replacement.” The old playground was a colourful set of bridges and slides, mostly geared towards younger children. For the new structure, a different approach was chosen. “This time, we wanted to create more of a challenge—for older children and even adults. And we’ve really succeeded,” Alex says. What makes this play area so special is that it’s not just a traditional children’s space. “Now you see parents, grandparents, and even our own staff joining in. With the old equipment, the adults would stay on the ground. Now, they’re climbing and sliding right along.” And for those who prefer to watch, the set-up works just as well. “Parents are more likely to stay seated on the terrace because they have a clear view and can see how much fun their children are having. That makes it easier to linger longer,” Alex explains. The animation team also makes active use of the new play structure. “We run relays through it or play games where we climb with the kids from one side to the other. And if we’ve got a spare moment? We go in too. Why not?” Alex was involved in the creation of the new play area from the beginning. He provided input to the management, visited the Recreatie Vakbeurs in Hardenberg where he first met BOERplay, and saw part of the structure that would eventually be chosen. “When I saw that three-metre-high slide, I just thought: the higher, the better,” he laughs. The team opted for a bold, modern look. No more bright colours, but calm green tones that blend beautifully with the natural setting of the park. “We’ve gone greener indoors too, and we wanted to reflect that outside. We’ve had the bright colours—now we wanted something calmer, even though the level of challenge has gone up.” The feedback from both children and parents has been glowing. “Some kids are a bit hesitant at first. They’ll say, ‘It’s different from the old playground.’ But after 15 minutes, they come back beaming: ‘Actually, it’s really cool!’” Even online, the response to the new playground was a hit. “When we shared the first images and the launch date, we got so many lovely comments. People were tagging friends, saying they wanted to rebook and come back. That’s always great to see.” The build was impressively quick. Work started on Tuesday, and by Friday afternoon, children were already climbing and sliding. “The first day was a bit slow—one thing was in the wrong spot—but it was quickly sorted, and then everything moved fast. Once it was done, the kids couldn’t be held back.” For Alex, one thing is clear: this isn’t just a new feature in the park. “It’s truly become a place where families come together. Parents sliding down with their kids, children challenging each other—it’s no longer just play equipment, it’s an experience.”From colourful to adventurous and shared play
Younger children haven’t been forgotten either. There are now various smaller structures, specially designed for their level of play. This way, there’s something for everyone. Parents can relax knowing their little ones are safe, while older siblings take on the larger structure. It’s become a space where the whole family can enjoy playing together.A play space for everyone
Muted tones, big adventure
Overwhelmingly positive reactions
From completion to first play in just days
More than play: an experience for all ages
