In conversation with Femke: “Simplicity creates space for play, discovery, and neighbourhood connection.”

Femke regularly visits the park with her family, especially with her daughter Isa, to walk, play, and above all else, to be outdoors. During the conversation, she talks about the charm of the park, the importance of volunteers, and why the simplicity of De Groene Poort Oost works so well.

A park that continues to grow

Femke lives close to the park and witnessed the development of De Groene Poort Oost up close. Her first real introduction to the park was during the official opening. Together with her husband and daughter, she came to see how the area had been laid out.
“From that moment on, we actually kept coming here very regularly,” she says. “What made an impression immediately was that all of this was realised by volunteers. You can see how much work and commitment went into it.”

According to Femke, it’s remarkable to see how the park has continued to develop over the past few years. New elements are constantly being added without the park’s original character being lost. “The pétanque court is a fine example of this. You notice that small things are constantly being added, keeping the park lively. At the same time, it remains a quiet and natural place.”

 

On an adventure among the greenery

The water playground is her daughter Isa’s favourite. During the interview, Isa enthusiastically points to the water pump, which she says is absolutely the best part of the park, but the paths through the greenery are also popular. “We always call that the adventure trail,” Femke says with a laugh. “Just walking around together on the paths near the food forest and on the other side by the tree trunks and tunnel, exploring a bit and being active outdoors.”

It’s precisely the free play that appeals to her. According to Femke, a park doesn’t need to be filled with playground equipment to be attractive to children. “The beauty of this place is that children use their own imagination. They invent their own games and discover nature in their own way. I find that much more valuable than a large playground.”

That doesn’t mean that there’s nothing left to be added. According to Femke, small natural play opportunities would fit the park perfectly.
A barefoot path or something similar could be nice, for example. However, the charm of the current concept must be preserved. It shouldn’t become too busy or too organised.

 

Peace and quiet in the middle of the neighbourhood

According to Femke, what makes De Groene Poort Oost extra special is the tranquility. Even though the park is located in the middle of the city, to her it feels like a place where you can step away from the hustle and bustle for a moment.
“You hardly notice here that you are in a residential area. Of course, you sometimes hear traffic in the background, but it still feels very green and relaxed.”

That quiet atmosphere also makes it easier for people to connect. Femke talks about a sunny afternoon when various local residents spontaneously struck up conversations while the children played together.
“I found that really typical of this place. People easily strike up a conversation here, and it feels very accessible. You meet neighbours you might otherwise never speak to.”

According to her, that’s one of De Groene Poort Oost’s important strengths: the park brings people together in a natural way.
“It doesn’t all have to be grand or spectacular. It is precisely that simplicity that makes it pleasant.”

 

Volunteers make all the difference

During the conversation, Femke returns to the role of volunteers several times. She has great admiration for the people who maintain the park and organise activities.
“Without volunteers, this simply wouldn’t exist. I think many people underestimate how much time and energy goes into this.”

She suspects that finding new volunteers will remain a challenge for the future.
“You always need people who feel involved and want to help. I don’t think you can ever have enough volunteers.”

Her greatest wish for De Groene Poort Oost is therefore actually quite simple.
“Above all, I hope that the park can continue to develop in this way. That the greenery is preserved and that volunteers retain the space to implement new ideas.”

 

A meeting place

When discussing possible activities for the future, Femke immediately thinks of gatherings between local residents. For example, a small-scale neighbourhood barbecue or an additional activity alongside the open-air cinema that was organised previously.
“Those kinds of moments ensure that people get to know each other better. That fits very well, especially in a neighbourhood park.”

According to Femke, De Groene Poort Oost doesn’t need to become an intensive recreational area. It is precisely its small-scale and accessible character that makes it attractive.
“It’s not a standard city park, nor is it an ordinary playground. It actually sits somewhere in between. That’s exactly what makes it unique.”

 

“Peace, nature and being outdoors”

At the end of the conversation, we ask what green means to her personally. She doesn’t have to think about that for long.
“Peace, nature, and being outdoors,” she says. “That’s really important to us.”

That is exactly why De Groene Poort Oost remains a place she enjoys returning to.
“You can simply unwind here, let children play freely, and meet other people. That makes this park special.”