# Playground and recreational space developments > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/playground-and-recreational-space-developments > Updated: 2026-10-06T14:43:18.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Local municipalities and community groups in the Netherlands and Belgium are undertaking various projects to develop or renovate playgrounds and recreational spaces. In the Netherlands, community-led efforts in Hantum and Bellingwolde resulted in the opening of new facilities. The Hantum project, ‘De Boartersterp’, was completed through cooperation between volunteers, sponsors, and the local municipality. In Bellingwolde, the Plan Oost association raised approximately 200,000 euros via crowdfunding and charity drives to build a playground featuring a soccer cage and accessible equipment. Further developments include municipal-led upgrades in Blankenberge, Belgium, where the city is redesigning ‘De Speeldoze’ to increase greenery and child-friendly environments. In Helmond, Netherlands, the municipality has launched a multi-year initiative to renovate 97 locations by 2029, beginning with a plan to upgrade 26 playgrounds over a six-month period using significant municipal investment. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-06: Blankenberge and Helmond initiate playground and recreational space upgrades Blankenberge and Helmond are investing in local infrastructure to upgrade playgrounds, increase greenery, and replace aging recreational equipment for children. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/blankenberge-and-helmond-initiate-playground-and-recreational-space-upgrades ### 2026-09-26: New community playgrounds open in Hantum and Bellingwolde New community playgrounds have opened in Hantum and Bellingwolde, Netherlands, following years of local fundraising and planning efforts. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-community-playgrounds-open-in-hantum-and-bellingwolde --- Cite as: Playground and recreational space developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/playground-and-recreational-space-developments