Preliminary designs for youth meeting places

In February, the municipal executive decided that two locations would be established in the municipality of West Maas en Waal where young people could meet. Preliminary designs have been made for the youth meeting places (JOP) and preliminary locations have been designated.

Wishes of young people

Following the decision, the project group got to work. The project group consists of the hired project agency, community police officers, youth workers, and civil servants from multiple departments. To determine suitable locations and formats for the youth meeting places, the municipality entered into discussions with young people from the municipality.

Provisional locations 

The council has designated two provisional locations. This is based on information gathered during the participation process with young people. The knowledge and expertise of the project group was also taken into account. Consider, for example, the possibility of (social) control, ownership by the municipality, and space to move around.

Participation with local residents and young people

Neighbors living near the provisional locations and young people will receive an invitation to a meeting. During the meeting, they will be shown the provisional designs for the youth meeting places. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and make comments. The project office will note and summarize the comments and wishes. Where possible, these will be incorporated into the design. The municipal executive will then make a final decision on the locations.

‘Space for young people’

The JOPs are the result of the 'Ruimte voor de Jeugd' (Space for Youth) project. The aim of the project is to create a safe, healthy, promising, and positive environment for young people. This project has shown that young people, professionals, and parents alike need more meeting places for young people.