Today, Misa di Rincon was officially opened in the garden of the Saint Ludovicus Bertrandus Church. The inclusive play and meeting place was opened by the Minister of Long-Term Care, Youth and Sport, Mirjam Sterk, and the Commissioner for Society & Care of Bonaire, Timoteo Silberie. The opening marks the culmination of a process during which residents, care and welfare institutions, the Public Entity Bonaire, and Jantje Beton closely worked together.
A place for everyone, in the heart of the community
Misa di Rincon is at a special location: in the garden of the church, in the heart of Rincon, and immediately next to daycare centre Cocari for the elderly, and FKPD for people with impairment. The design takes all target groups into account: children, the elderly, and people with an impairment.
"In front of me, I see exactly what a community needs: a place where you can be together", said the Minister during the opening. "Every child must be able to join in. Whether you have an impairment or not. It is important for everyone to be able to play and exercise, and to make friends. That is why it is so important that there are places like this".
More than a playground: intergenerational meeting
What Misa di Rincon distinguishes from an ordinary playground is the power of meeting. Children play here alongside clients of Cocari or FKPD. An enrichment for all those involved, young and old, with or without impairment.
"That is the power of this place: it unites people who would otherwise never meet each other", according to the Minister. "And that is an enrichment for the clients, but just as much for the children".
As first Healthy Neighbourhood on Bonaire, Misa di Rincon is more than a playground. It is a place where playing, exercising, and meeting come together. In this regard, the place directly contributes to the health and welfare of the residents of Rincon.
Princess Beatrix laid the foundation stone
The opening already has a special history. In November 2025, Princess Beatrix made a working visit to Bonaire, and she also visited Misa di Rincon. She spoke with children and residents about the future place and laid a Jantje Beton story tile in the pillar of the access gate. A symbolic moment that underlined the involvement of the community in this project.
