As the sun comes out and the days get longer, Groningen’s Noorderplantsoen turns into a lively hotspot filled with the sounds of laughter, sizzle of barbecues, and, inevitably, a few grumbles from local residents. While everyone loves a good barbecue, the increased park activity has sparked a spirited debate on how to balance fun and tranquility.
Right now, Noorderplantsoen has a set of rules aimed at keeping things in check. These include a no-alcohol policy after 10 PM, restrictions on drinking near the playground and pond, and designated barbecue areas. There are also extra enforcement and management efforts in place. However, not everyone feels these rules are doing the trick.
Residents sound off: “The park’s gone wild!”
Last week, locals got a chance to voice their concerns. Conny Kaspers didn’t hold back: “The smell, the noise, the mess – it’s gotten worse. We were happy about the noise and alcohol bans near the pond, but without serious enforcement, what’s the point? The late-night shouting and leftover rubbish are driving us crazy.”
Machteld Koopman shared her thoughts, painting a vivid picture: “The Noorderplantsoen should be a peaceful oasis, but instead, it’s like a discotheque. People bring full sound systems to their barbecues. It’s unbearable.”
Ban the burgers? Or beef up park harmony? Politicians weigh park party rules
Opinions in the city council are as varied as the picnic blankets in the park. Some factions, like the Stadspartij 100% for Groningen and the Party for the North, are pushing for a total ban on barbecues and sound equipment. Amrut Sijbolts of the Stadspartij explained, “Clear rules are needed to keep the park accessible for everyone. A total barbecue ban is necessary as open fires are outdated and dangerous.”
Leendert van der Laan from the Party for the North agreed, stressing the need for more measures to maintain the park’s accessibility and cleanliness. On the flip side, Wesley Pechler from the Party for the Animals thinks a total ban is a no-go due to enforcement issues. He suggests spreading out activities to reduce pressure on Noorderplantsoen.
Can we have our steaks and save the planet too? Council wrestles with park puzzler
Some council members, like Peter Rebergen of the Christian Union, have a different take. “By creating designated barbecue spots with proper waste disposal facilities, we can regulate and reduce the nuisance,” he suggested. However, this idea faced criticism for seeming inconsistent with the city’s CO2-free ambitions.
Jeffry van Hoorn from GroenLinks took a pragmatic approach: “Extra rules we can’t enforce are pointless. Let’s stick with what we have and enforce those better.”
Mayor vows to crack down on charcoal chaos
Mayor Koen Schuiling admitted the difficulty in finding a one-size-fits-all solution. “This year, we were caught off guard by the early warm weather. We need stricter, earlier enforcement, including park wardens and clear communication about the rules.”
Despite ongoing efforts, including warnings and fines, the problem persists. With 560 violations noted last year and many more this year, it’s clear there’s work to be done.
Residents are still miffed and considering their next steps, including possibly heading to court. With residents and revelers at odds, the city council faces a grilling challenge: devising a park policy that keeps everyone happy. Stay tuned to see if they succeed.
