Life is good at Zaanenpark, especially if the sun breaks around half past two on Friday afternoon. Children run and cycle over the skate course. Parents look relaxed from the stone elevation, some with a cup of good coffee next to them.
Public coffee consumption is increasing rapidly around Zaanenpark. The newly opened community center, the Posthuis, serves high-quality coffee-to-go. This is provided by NES 71, which a few blocks away has its own coffee shop Annex lunchroom. The former Bloemenkiosk opposite the Zaanenpark is currently being renovated and will soon open its doors as a coffee bar.
Only gone between six shelves
“The neighborhood has changed,” says Arie, who has just driven home on his mobility scooter from the park. Arie is 83 years old and has been living in Wilgenstraat all his life. He was born two doors away.
“I will only leave here between six boards,” he says. “I pay 300 euros a month for my rental home. Then you won’t find anywhere nowadays. I am sitting here.”
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