Four tips

The duo has four tips for giving outdoor space a place in the construction of a new school:

  • Translate the quality of the outdoor space into an objective for the policy framework. Consider objectives relating to climate adaptation and the healthy development of children.
  • Offer schools support in drawing up an ambition document for new construction, of which outdoor space is a component.
  • Use an ‘extended construction budget’ for the business case, which also creates room to cover costs from other challenges, such as climate adaptation or play facilities, and perhaps attract external funding from partners.
  • During the construction phase, do not forget to combine work and involve children and parents.

Put it on the agenda

Van der Veen adds: “It is also about the phase after completion. I sometimes see beautiful playgrounds at the time of handover that have fallen into disrepair after a few years. Maintenance and management must be part of the vision and translated into a long-term maintenance plan. In the municipality of Tholen, a homeowners’ association was established to maintain and preserve the playground. You can also give a school playground a neighbourhood function or involve the playground in its management and supervision.”

Bouman nods in agreement: “It is imperative and urgent. Also consider the broad motor development of children; we must tackle this generation of children who spend too much time sitting.
Every school that is completed without a healthy and green outdoor space is a missed opportunity. A school is much more than a building. When you want to design a playground properly, parties other than the school and municipality also participate. Think of organisations concerned with accessibility, traffic safety and, of course, green-space management itself. All these parties have an interest, and that calls for an integrated assignment in which the budgets are brought together.”

Tholen Community School: an inspiring example for new construction

In Tholen, an old ROC building was transformed into a Community School. By making smart connections with other challenges and fundraising, a nature-rich oasis for play and learning was created. Cooperation with the Playground Association means that the playground is also available after school hours. A homeowners’ association structure, in which the municipality also participates, was used to consider management and maintenance in the future. For more information, visit www.bredeschooltholen.nl.

The full interview with Vincent van der Veen and Marlies Bouman can be read on the IVN website.