In January 2024, the Municipality of Leeuwarden and Neighborhood Association De Toekomst invited us to come up with an innovative proposal for the beloved playground in the Vossenpark neighborhood.
After years of intensive play, some of the equipment — including the iconic wooden castle — was due for replacement. The assignment: a striking eye-catcher that offers more challenge and is accessible to all.
Harmke Kingma represented BOERplay in this project and worked closely with all parties involved to create a well-thought-out design.
In May, we presented our design to the municipality and the neighborhood association. Another provider also submitted a strong proposal, so the association decided to let the children vote themselves. The result was clear: our design won the trust of the neighborhood’s youngest residents. Following conversations with local stakeholders — and an inspiration visit to Rensenpark in Emmen — our design team got to work. The result: a playground that invites people of all ages to play, move, and connect. The renewed castle is now placed at the heart of the playground and immediately catches the eye. With additional climbing and scrambling elements, there’s plenty of challenge for older children. A paved path runs beneath the castle, allowing children with disabilities to fully participate. Along this path, inclusive play elements have been added, such as: musical instruments talking tubes a puppet theater an interactive game panel a small arena for meeting, performing, and dancing Even before the official opening, the playground was already drawing attention. Staff from the nearby daycare did their best to keep children and parents out for a little while longer — the grass still needed time to grow. Still, curious visitors easily found their way to the new playground. Families even came from surrounding villages to check out this special place.
Children Choose Their Dream Playground
Inspiration from Emmen, Translated to Leeuwarden
The Playground is Already Attracting Visitors
