Signing of the Play Agreement
For both Saba and St. Eustatius, a separate Playgrounds Agreement has been established aimed at creating safe, challenging and accessible play areas, so that every child on Saba and St. Eustatius can develop physically, socially and emotionally in a healthy living environment. The Playgrounds Agreement was signed by Commissioner Heyliger on behalf of the Public Entity Saba, Commissioner Leerdam on behalf of the Public Entity St. Eustatius, State Secretary for Youth, Prevention & Sport Judith Tielen of VWS, and Mascha van Werven, Executive Director of Jantje Beton.
Collaboration for more and better play areas
The Playgrounds Agreement establishes the collaboration between the parties for the period 2025 – 2027. The agreement includes concrete arrangements regarding the construction, maintenance and accessibility of playgrounds and parks on Saba and Statia. An important component of the agreement is the renovation of the playground at Cove Bay on Saba and the playground at the Community Center on St. Eustatius. Through collaboration, safe and inspiring play areas become more accessible to all children on the islands, enabling them to develop physically, socially and emotionally.
Commissioner Heyliger, Public Entity Saba: "We are extremely pleased with the signing of this agreement. It marks an important step toward enhancing the quality of life for our children. By working together with Jantje Beton and VWS, we can ensure that the right to play is guaranteed for all children on Saba. The renovation of the playground at Cove Bay is a wonderful example of what collaboration can achieve."
Commissioner Leerdam, Public Entity St. Eustatius: "There are too few play areas for children on our island. With this agreement, we are taking a step in the right direction. We are pleased that following the renovation of the Golden Rock playground, the playground at the Community Center will also be renovated. This provides our children with a safe way to play and explore. As far as I'm concerned, more playgrounds will follow."
Judith Tielen, State Secretary for Youth, Prevention & Sports of VWS: "Playing outside is enormously important for children. First and foremost, of course, to have fun together. But also as a strong basis for healthy growing up: being outside, being active, feeling good: physically, mentally and socially. Together with Saba, St. Eustatius and Jantje Beton, we will ensure that more play areas become available where children can easily and safely go play. So that every child is invited to play outside, every day."
Mascha van Werven, Executive Director Jantje Beton: "Jantje Beton is committed to the importance of play for all children, regardless of where they live. This Playgrounds Agreement makes it possible to improve the play climate on Saba and St. Eustatius and get even more children moving. Because play outside is incredibly important for their development. We are extremely pleased with this collaboration and the steps we can take together to make play accessible to all children in Caribbean Netherlands. The renovation of the playground at Cove Bay and the Community Center will make a valuable contribution to play opportunities on the island."
About Jantje Beton
Jantje Beton is a leading organization in the field of outdoor play and has been committed for more than 50 years to children's right to play safely and freely outdoors. Play is not only fun, but also crucial for children's physical, social and mental development. As an expert in outdoor play, Jantje Beton works with municipalities, schools, neighborhood initiatives and other partners to improve play environments and encourage children to play outside more. With their in-depth knowledge of play space development, research into play behavior and years of practical experience, they support projects and initiatives that contribute to a play-friendly environment. They do this both in the Netherlands and in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom, where they work with local governments and communities on sustainable play solutions. Because no matter where a child lives, outdoor play should be possible every day!
