That is why attempts are being made to realize a Visparel in various villages and places in the region. “This is a fishing spot where you can enjoy a beautiful piece of aquatic nature in the neighborhood with your child. A cozy place where you can have a chat and come into contact with neighbors.”
According to Mensinga, the Visparel is a godsend for people who are ready for some social interaction: “You just see it when people are fishing in such a place: they drop by, they drop by, they have a chat. And when you’re a little older and you’re lonely, you walk over to that pond and you’re entitled to it.”
Social activities are also organized at the pond, such as ‘Fishing Together’. This is a project in which volunteers from a fishing club go fishing for an afternoon with people from a nursing home. “And the nice thing is,” says Meninga enthusiastically, “those people in the nursing home, sometimes they haven’t fished for thirty years. And they immediately say: when are we going again? Look, you’ve done well.”
Mensinga emphasizes that the arrival of the fish pearl is mainly due to the volunteers behind the project.
Hobby fisherman Jan Vos regularly visits the pond on the Zwet. He thinks the arrival of the Visparel is ‘fine’: “It is accessible to everyone.” Yet he also has a critical note: “I think it shouldn’t be too much. There shouldn’t be too many people, because then there won’t be any more space. There isn’t that much space.”
Sportvisserij Groningen Drenthe is busy realizing several Visparels. Initiatives are also underway in Roden and Tynaarlo.