The primary schools Montessori Dukenburg, Vossenburcht (Hatert) and De Kleine Wereld (Grootstal) are already fully engaged in the preparations. On 1 April, Montessori Dukenburg will be the first to open its green schoolyard to pupils, parents and local residents. Vossenburcht and De Kleine Wereld will complete the transformation of their schoolyards in autumn 2026.

The greening project is being supervised by Groenmakers, part of Museum De Bastei, the local hub for nature and sustainability education (NDE).

Cilia Daemen, alderwoman for climate adaptation and urban greening, is pleased with this boost: “Green schoolyards are good for children and for the neighbourhood. Especially in areas with less greenery, these schoolyards make a real difference: they invite children to play, explore and meet one another. Because the schoolyards are also open outside school hours, not only the pupils but the entire neighbourhood benefits.”

Happier and healthier children, fewer hassles

Healthy Schoolyards offer many benefits. Research has shown for years that a green and stimulating schoolyard encourages children to exercise more, play in more varied ways and learn better. “There is something for every child to enjoy in schoolyards like these,” says Marlies Bouman of Jantje Beton. “Teachers often say that children play more and in different ways, with fewer ‘little squabbles’ during breaks.”

Outdoor lessons

In addition to offering play value, trees and plants provide cooling, natural protection from the sun, better air quality and less water nuisance. “It also offers a unique opportunity for outdoor lessons,” says Vincent van der Veen of IVN Nature Education. “Not only for nature education, but also for language or maths.”

Hans Hooijmaijers, director of Museum De Bastei, adds: “Schools can always turn to us as a local NDE centre for advice and tips on making their schoolyards greener. We also help them integrate nature education into the curriculum. We believe it is very important to bring learning about and with nature to children’s attention in a broad and inclusive way.”

The funding received by Nijmegen is being provided by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS). In addition to Nijmegen, around 25 other municipalities across the Netherlands will receive funding. This means that around 80 additional schoolyards in total can be made greener during this school year.

For advice on making your school's schoolyard in Nijmegen greener, please contact Rinskje Klooster via [email protected]