Now that the leaves are falling from the trees and the temperature is dropping, peace is returning at recreational lakes ‘t Gasselterveld and ‘t Nije Hemelriek. Bathers and sunbathers give way to mountain bikers and hikers. A good moment for Staatsbosbeheer to look back on a summer full of changes in the area.
Newly fallen acorns and brown leaves crunch under the hiking boots of forest ranger Linde Veldhoen, who has been a ranger in the area for a year. The forest transforms from fresh green to cozy yellow, orange and red. Nature is taking over from the holidaymakers again and that gives Veldhoen time to evaluate.
Just as the forest is changing now, things have also changed in ‘t Gasselterveld this summer season. The biggest novelty was undoubtedly the introduction of paid parking at the swimming pools. From April 1 to October 1, you had to buy a ticket for the first time this year to be allowed to park at the lakes.
Via an online reservation system, visitors can see whether there is still room in the parking lot and, if necessary, order a day ticket. For example, Staatsbosbeheer, the province of Drenthe and the municipality of Aa and Hunze hoped to combat the traffic chaos of previous summers.