A battlefield. This is how you could describe the Ridderveld in Emmen two years ago. Local residents have been using the site as a play and meeting place for years. There was great outrage when there were construction plans for small-scale care for dementia patients.
After loud protests, a third of the field was saved for the neighborhood. Peace has now been signed: the shelter is as good as completed. The local residents have been promised a completely newly designed playing field on their half. It will be constructed later this year.
A wonderful place to kick a ball. Or to hold a neighborhood party. Residents around the Ridderveld in the center area of Emmen felt somewhat happy after the demolition of the Vrije School Michael on the Ridderveld. For years, the municipality was aiming for new construction on the site. As early as 2017, there were plans for a residential complex for people with dementia. The neighborhood rejected the plan at the time and thought that was the end of the matter.
About three years ago, local residents were told that the shelter under the name Guest House would still be available. The neighborhood suggested alternative locations, came up with its own plan for the playing field and sounded the alarm to the Emmer municipal council. It did not help. The only gain made was the preservation of part of the site.
The local residents, who have gathered in the Ridderveld Committee, are currently talking to the municipality about the use of the site. According to committee member Ilona Scheeve, there are currently discussions with the municipality and a supplier of playground equipment. “We are being presented with some designs. The intention is to give them a final go this month.” If all goes well, it will still be there before the summer.
According to Scheeve, the neighborhood suggested giving the whole thing a castle-like theme. “Considering the name, it’s so appropriate.” According to Sharon Regts, another local resident, ideas have also been submitted for fruit trees and borders with herbs. The neighborhood must raise funds itself to pay for part of the construction. Together with the municipality and other contributions, she hopes to reach an amount of around 55,000 euros. “We have also, very brazenly, asked for a contribution from the Guest House. But we have not yet received an answer.”