Beneden-Leeuwen Youth Meeting Place: A Successful First Year
One year after the official opening of the Youth Meeting Place (JOP) on the Peel, the municipality West Maas en Waal looks back West Maas en Waal . The JOP has proven to be a valuable gathering place for young people and demonstrates that investing in youth pays off.
Developed in collaboration with young people
The JOP officially opened on June 18, 2025. The creation of this meeting place was preceded by a careful planning process. The municipality developed the initiative in collaboration with young people. Local residents and community organizations were also involved in the preparations.
The municipality believes it is important for young people to have a place of their own where they can meet, engage in activities, and feel heard.
A place for young people
Over the past year, young people have been using the JOP. In collaboration with youth services, a padel group was formed, among other initiatives. What began with five young people has grown into an enthusiastic group that regularly plays sports and organizes activities together.
The meeting place thus helps foster social interaction, connection, and meaningful ways for young people to spend their free time.
Minimal disruption
As with any new facility, there were some issues to address. Over the past year, the municipality received five reports, mainly regarding litter around the JOP. In addition, there was a small fire recently. The situation was quickly brought under control, and the damage was limited.
To closely monitor the pilot, the municipality organized three evaluation sessions for local residents and community organizations. During these meetings, residents were able to share their experiences, concerns, and ideas. Attendance was limited. For the municipality, this is a sign that the JOP has not led to the nuisance that some had previously feared.
Working Together to Create Opportunities for Young People
The municipality sees the JOP as a great example of what’s possible when young people, residents, and the municipality work together. That’s why the municipality also encourages youth initiatives in other villages.
In Appeltern , for example, parents Appeltern organized a monthly drop-in evening. On Friday evenings, children and young people can go there to play a game, have a chat, or just hang out.
In addition, the municipality spoke with residents and young people from Boven-Leeuwen, Dreumel Wamel explore what kinds of initiatives might be possible there.
Ideas from Society
The municipality believes in initiatives that arise from young people and residents themselves. This builds support and makes people feel responsible for their community. Young people feel that their ideas matter and that they can contribute to a vibrant village.
Parents also play an important role in this by staying involved and contributing ideas about activities and gathering places.
Alderman Reuvers: “The JOP in Beneden-Leeuwen what’s possible when young people, residents, and the municipality work together. Not only have we created a gathering place, but more importantly, we’ve shown that young people are willing to take on responsibility when given the opportunity. We want other villages in our municipality to experience this success as well. It’s easy to say that little is being done for young people. It’s much more rewarding when young people, parents, organizations, and residents take responsibility together and turn ideas into reality.”
Activities for young people as well
In addition to supporting initiatives, the municipality organizes its own activities that resonate with young people’s lives.
Last year’s end-of-year event was a huge success and generated many enthusiastic responses. The second edition of Next Generation also attracted many young people. In addition, the municipality, in collaboration with the police, organized a successful edition of Hunted.
Through these activities, the municipality aims not only to offer young people a fun experience but also to invest in interaction, trust, and connection.
We welcome your ideas
Do residents have any ideas for young people in the village or neighborhood? The municipality West Maas en Waal happy to discuss them. Residents are warmly invited to get in touch and share their ideas.