Jeu de Boules courts are an asset to Maastricht-Oost
Since the spring of 2025, De Groene Poort Oost has had two Jeu de Boules courts. The construction of these two courts was made possible subsidies as part of the “Maastricht in Beweging” (Maastricht in Motion) programme. Since then, Heer and Scharn have been using the sports facilities regularly.
Unsuspecting visitors to De Groene Poort will surely have noticed that on the last Friday of the month, a large group of enthusiastic locals gathers around these grey gravel courts. Teams of at least three people compete against each other in a spirited way. Experience with the game is not required to participate with full enthusiasm.
As residents of the “Doornen” (the Doorn streets in the Scharn district), we’ve participated in this mini-competition several times. Unhindered by any prior knowledge, and armed with brand-new, shiny balls, we often faced players with years of experience gained on campsites and village squares in La Douce France. These seasoned players, clearly recognisable by their dented and rusty brown balls, patiently explained the simple rules of the game and the seemingly straightforward way of counting points.
We used to look down on pétanque/jeu de boules, but we’ve completely embraced it now. It’s not only a great opportunity to exercise outdoors, but also a relaxed way to connect with other residents of Maastricht-Oost. We’ve lived in Scharn for over 33 years, but in just a few months, we’ve gotten to know more neighbours than we did in the previous three decades.
We highly recommend everyone to try out these professionally constructed jeu de boules courts at De Groene Poort Oost.
It cannot be said often enough: Thanks to the citizen initiative De Groene Poort Oost and the generous contribution from the Maastricht municipality, our neighbourhood has become a lot “richer” again.
Annelies & Ger
