Not so long ago, the natural ice rink in Gasselternijveenschemond was overgrown with plants and trees. Anyone who takes a look now will wonder whether it is the same place. The ice rink has recently undergone a major renovation with money from the area fund. The opening was festively celebrated today.
Dozens of people report to the village hall this morning to toast the opening. They didn’t stay there long, because they were taken to the ice rink in an old convertible bus. The entrance was decorated with party flags and an attendee was allowed to cut a ribbon. “Officially opened,” shouted Wim Meijer from Dorpsbelangen Gasselternijveenschemond. He and his colleagues have worked hard for the renovated ice rink.
Last December the place was completely impassable. Wild plants and shrubs made the entire ice rink unusable. Meijer points to the ground near the water with a happy face. “There were still trees and plants there. They have all been removed, the ground has been completely leveled and grass has been sown. It looks neat again.”
The renovation was realized with money from the area fund. A pot to compensate for the arrival of wind turbines in the area. The owners of the wind farm, the national government, the province of Drenthe and the municipality of Aa en Hunze fill the pot. Residents who have plans to improve the neighborhood or make it more enjoyable can apply for the budget. In Gasselternijveenschemond they have chosen to spend the money on a renovated ice rink.