Various bridges, boardwalks and viewpoints in Drenthe will be renovated in the near future. Nature organizations Staatsbosbeheer, Natuurmonumenten and Het Drentse Landschap will carry out maintenance on facilities that are often used by walkers and cyclists.
Among other things, the wooden bicycle bridge over the Grolloërveen, the plank path at Deurze, walking bridges over De Reest and various lookout towers are being tackled. The bridge to the bird watching hut in Friese Veen will also be replaced. The new bridge will be more accessible for people with a wheelchair, walker or mobility scooter.
The work must ensure that the facilities remain safe and can remain part of the network of walking and cycling routes in the province.
The province of Drenthe is making 567,000 euros available for maintenance. According to the province, it is becoming increasingly difficult for site managers to finance major maintenance of facilities such as bridges, decking and observation towers themselves.
Of the amount, 332,000 euros goes to Staatsbosbeheer, 161,750 euros to Het Drentse Landschap and 73,250 euros to Natuurmonumenten. Deputy Willemien Meeuwissen calls the investment important for the accessibility of nature. “With this investment we keep a number of important routes and facilities open and accessible and residents and visitors can walk, cycle and enjoy safely.”