Beringen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Beringen now opens the BKO De Bengeltjes playground to the public when not in use by childcare, a first for the city. Alderman Jessie De Weyer supports the plan to better utilize playgrounds. Concerns exist about potential damage, as expressed by Ann-Sofie Vanoverstins.
In Beringen, the playground at the after-school care centre BKO De Bengeltjes is now open to the public when childcare is not in session. This is a first for the city. Jessie De Weyer, a local official, says this plan will help more children enjoy the playground, not just those in the care program.
He mentioned that the playground has fun things to play on, like a pirate ship, a swing, a seesaw, and a small seating area. By making this space available to everyone, the city hopes to use its playgrounds better and provide a safe place for kids to play at different times. This plan aims to meet the community’s needs and keep playgrounds busy.
“A first for our city”,
Says Jessie De Weyer (N-VA), alderman for Public Space and Green.
“The play area is designed in such a way that it has something to offer for everyone.”
What challenges and opportunities does the new playground in Beringen present?
The new plan to open the playground in Beringen has supporters and also some worries. According to officials, many people think it is a good idea to let more kids use the playground. However, daycare staff and local officials are concerned. They fear that without supervision, the playground could get damaged or misused. They worry that the nice play equipment might not be treated well by everyone.
According to Ann-Sofie Vanoverstijns, an official in charge of childcare, local police also have concerns. They are worried about safety and making sure the playground stays a nice place for all kids.
“Hopefully our new playground equipment will not be destroyed.”
Ann-Sofie Vanoverstijns (CD&V) says
“the local police are also not enthusiastic about the initiative.“
Alderman Ann-Sofie Vanoverstijns knows that some people are worried about the new playground plan. She believes it is worth trying. She said,
“I think we should try it. We’ll see how it goes. If it doesn’t work, we’ll reverse this decision.”
She hopes everyone will take care of the playground so the whole neighbourhood can enjoy it.
According to officials, Koersel does not have many playgrounds, making this plan important for local families. They mentioned that if it works well, it can give kids a place to play outside. The hope is that people will keep the playground nice for everyone, including the kids at the daycare.
Officials mentioned that to balance public access and the needs of the daycare, specific hours are set for the playground. On school days, it is open to everyone from 9:00 to 14:30 and again after 18:30. On Wednesday mornings, kids can play from 9:00 to 12:00. After that, the playground closes until 18:30.
It is open the whole day during weekend periods from 9:00 until 22:00. It opens only in the evenings during holidays between 18:30 until 22:00. They mentioned that these hours help avoid conflicts between the daycare and local families while providing a space for play.
