July 17, 2015 · Team HG
What do Groningen residents think of the Noorderplantsoen? What is good about the park? What is going badly? What needs to change? The city council gauges opinions in the city using, among other methods, a survey by the City Panel. During a debate about the Noorderplantsoen at the festival. Northern Sun the results are announced. The outcome of the debate will be discussed in the municipal council.
More and more Groningen residents are finding their way to the Noorderplantsoen. To recreate, play sports, or walk the dog. Especially on sunny days, it is busy with residents picnicking, celebrating parties, and barbecuing. On the other hand, there are the local residents who sometimes experience nuisance. Furthermore, the park is of monumental value, featuring archaeological traces and a historic design in the English landscape style. In addition, the Noorderplantsoen has high natural value and is a green crown jewel of the city. The Groningen City Council is now asking itself: “How do you bring all these interests together in harmony? And how do the residents view the future of the Noorderplantsoen?”
Survey
Therefore, the council wants to know the opinion of the residents of Groningen regarding the Noorderplantsoen. This was done, for example, via the City Panel, where members could complete an online survey about the park. More than 3,500 people have done so. Furthermore, a wall will be set up in the park on Thursday, August 27. Residents of Groningen can share their positive and negative thoughts about the Noorderplantsoen on it. At this wall, residents can engage in conversation with council members.
Northern Sun
The results of the survey will be announced at Noorderzon during a concluding meeting on Saturday, August 29. Residents of Groningen can then debate the park with one another, led by Mayor Peter den Oudsten. “The closing meeting at Noorderzon is a conversation by and with the city’s inhabitants about the Noorderplantsoen,” explain the initiators Benni Leemhuis (GroenLinks), Carlo Schimmel (D66), and Amrut Sijbolts (Stadspartij). “The goal is a better understanding of the various wishes and interests, plus a start on an answer to the question of how those interests can be brought together.” The outcome of the debate will be placed on the agenda of the Management and Traffic Council Committee. “We want to know what is on people’s minds,” say the three initiators. “And we, as the city council, will get to work on that.”
You can sign up for the city panel HERE
