Play Agreement Signed by Jantje Beton, Ministry of VWS, and Public Entity Bonaire
Kralendijk – Today, an important step has been taken to provide children in Bonaire with more and better play spaces. In the playground of Nieuw Amsterdam, currently under construction, Jantje Beton, the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS), and the Public Entity Bonaire (OLB) have signed the Bonaire Play Agreement 2025-2027.
This agreement is aimed at creating safe, stimulating, and accessible play areas, ensuring that every child in Bonaire can develop physically, socially, and emotionally in a healthy living environment. The Play Agreement was signed by Nina den Heyer, Commissioner for Society & Care in Bonaire, Vincent Karremans, State Secretary for Youth, Prevention & Sport at VWS, and Mascha van Werven, Managing Director of Jantje Beton. This symbolic moment took place in the Nieuw Amsterdam playground, which will soon open its doors.
Collaboration for more and better play areas
The Play Agreement formalises the collaboration between the three parties for the period 2025–2027. It includes concrete commitments regarding the development, maintenance, and accessibility of playgrounds and parks in Bonaire. By working together, safe and inspiring play spaces will become more accessible for all children in Bonaire, enabling their physical, social, and emotional growth.
Nina den Heyer, Commissioner for Society & Care, Bonaire:
"We are incredibly pleased with the signing of this agreement. It is an important step in improving the living environment for our children. By working together with Jantje Beton and VWS, we can ensure that the right to play is guaranteed for all children in Bonaire. The Nieuw Amsterdam playground is a great example of what we can achieve together."
Vincent Karremans, State Secretary at VWS:
"Play is incredibly important for children. First and foremost, it’s about having fun together. But it’s also about being outdoors, staying active, and feeling good both physically and mentally. Together with Bonaire and Jantje Beton, we will ensure that more play areas are created where children can easily and safely play. This way, every child and parent has a cheerful and healthy alternative to staying indoors in front of a screen."
Mascha van Werven, Managing Director, Jantje Beton:
"Jantje Beton is committed to the importance of play for all children, regardless of where they live. This Play Agreement makes it possible to improve the play environment in Bonaire and reach as many children as possible. In recent years, with funding from VWS and OLB, we have been able to develop four play areas. In 2024, we secured another fantastic contribution, this time from the National Postcode Lottery, enabling us to create two additional play and meeting spaces in Bonaire. We cannot do this alone—we need OLB and VWS. We are extremely pleased with this collaboration and the steps we can take together to make play accessible for all children in Bonaire."
About Jantje Beton
Jantje Beton is a leading organisation in the field of outdoor play and has been advocating for children’s right to play safely and freely for over 50 years. Play is not only fun but also essential for children’s physical, social, and mental development.
As experts in outdoor play, Jantje Beton collaborates with municipalities, schools, community initiatives, and other partners to improve play environments and encourage children to spend more time outdoors. With their extensive knowledge of play space development, research into play behaviour, and years of practical experience, they support projects and initiatives that contribute to a play-friendly environment. This work extends beyond the Netherlands to the Caribbean part of the Kingdom, where they collaborate with local governments and communities to develop sustainable play solutions. No matter where a child lives, outdoor play should be possible every day!
