Less than a year ago, the channel in Valthermond was desolate: full of water plants, prut and impossible to sail in. But thanks to the Waterrijk Valthermond project, the tide is completely turned. With 200,000 euros subsidy and mountains of volunteer work, the canal has been refurbished and again the beating heart of the village.
“Recreation in the water is definitely back in Valthermond, absolutely!”, Says a proud Koert Lanting, initiator of Waterrijk Valthermond. “We have worked hard in the past year: cleaned up the canal, laid out scaffolding and facilities. And now we can finally go loose!”
The contrast with last year is huge. Where the water was barely visible at the time due to the vegetation, canoes and SUP boards now sail over the channel.
Laughter sounds in the canoes. “You really never know what will happen, whether you fall into the water or not,” says Sem. “In the beginning it was very difficult, but now I understand better.”
Meike also enjoys the trip, although she admits that it is not always easy. “It’s nice, but it can also be very frustrating,” she says, paddling. “If steering is not going well, that is really difficult. Fortunately my sister Aafke is in charge!”
Landlord Oetze Veenstra, who makes canoes, SUP boards and pedal boats available, is happy with the new possibilities: “This is a wonderful asset to Valthermond? The channel and the surrounding area are perfect for it.”
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