The thermometer touched 31 degrees on Saturday afternoon. Ideal conditions for going to the beach. This was clearly noticeable at the Galderse Meren. The Blue Point beach bar, which only opened last Monday, immediately had a great day. “Perfect timing,” says co-owner Steven Smeelen.
The beach is busy on Saturday. A combination of tropical temperatures and a long Pentecost weekend ensures many visitors. Anyone who doesn’t know any better would think that the beach bar that opened this week has been on the Galderse Meren for years. Stylish wooden exterior, a modest terrace overlooking the water of the popular lake.
Somewhat ashamed, Wanda from Breda has to admit that she had never been to the Galderse Meren. When she heard about the new beach bar, she decided to come along with her friend Geertje and their children. “We will do this much more often. This is a gap in the market.”
Experiment with a temporary beach pavilion
Last August, the municipality of Breda presented the plan for better facilities at the recreational lake. “The Galderse Meren is a place that many people enjoy; from families to athletes and people looking for peace and quiet. As a municipality, we want to respond well to this,” Jeroen Bruijns, councilor for public space, wrote at the time.
In addition to the beach tent, which can prove its right to exist in a trial by the municipality over the next seven years, brand new toilet buildings have also been installed.
Co-owner Steven Smeelen of Blue Point had actually wanted to open his business in April, but the renovation was somewhat delayed. Where a chip cart used to regularly appear for beach visitors along the Galderse Meren, he mainly focuses on healthy meals. “But of course we also just sell fries.”
Sporting challenges
In addition to a bite to eat, visitors can also enjoy sporting challenges. “We want to create a place where people can not only eat or drink something, but also be active. From paddle boarding to beach volleyball, from healthy wraps to good coffee.” Smeelen’s business partner Bram Walgraeve from activities agency Ride Along is responsible for the recreation. “This morning we already had a bubbleball activity on the water here.”
Blue Point is open daily from 8:30 in the morning, and not only open in good weather. According to Smeelen, there is plenty to do even in bad weather conditions. “There are always people here who go for a walk with their dog and then have a nice cup of coffee.”
