The municipality of West Maas en Waal designates two pilot locations for JOPs

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The Board of Mayors and Aldermen of the Municipality of West Maas en Waal has decided to designate two pilot locations for youth meeting places (JOPs). These locations are the grass field near De Peel in Beneden-Leeuwen and the playing field near the Donjon in Dreumel. This decision was made after discussions and meetings with both young people and residents living near the locations.

Preliminary phase

In January, the municipal executive decided to establish two Youth Participation Zones (JOPs). A project group then worked with young people to determine locations and designs. This led to the selection of two preferred locations in May. Two meetings were then organized, one for young people and one for local residents. During these meetings, the preliminary locations and designs were presented. Young people were also encouraged to think about rules of conduct.

JOP Pilot Sites

The municipal executive recently decided to designate two pilot locations. Temporary permit applications will be submitted for these sites. Residents living near the pilot locations have been informed by letter about the decision and the follow-up process in which they will be involved. The municipality has opted for a one-year pilot period to evaluate the effectiveness of the JOPs across all seasons. This pilot will be further organized and designed in collaboration with young people and local residents, so that the impact of the JOPs can be thoroughly assessed.

Alderman Reuvers: “We are pleased to designate the two pilot locations for JOPs. This decision was made after careful consideration and consultation with young people and local residents. It marks an important step in our efforts to provide young people with a safe and accessible space. It also fulfills the coalition agreement’s goal of better and more actively involving young people in society.”

“The one-year pilot period will allow us to thoroughly evaluate the JOPs. We look forward to working together and to the positive impact these community spaces will have.”

More information about the"Space for Youth" project and the JOPs