Aruba – Exciting news for San Nicolas residents: CEDE Aruba announced significant progress in the development of Lago Heights Community Park, a safe, inclusive, and high-quality public recreational space designed to support children’s development and strengthen community life. The park is planned to open in July 2026.
The initiative began in 2023 during a visit by Princess Beatrix, when a €1.5 million donation was made to Stichting Jantje Beton, a Dutch organization specializing in safe and accessible playground development. Stichting Jantje Beton works closely with the Dutch government and Postcode Loterij to support playground projects throughout the Caribbean, including Saba, St. Eustatius, and Bonaire.
Following an integral playground assessment in Aruba, San Nicolas was identified as an area with the greatest need for investment in safe and inclusive recreational infrastructure. CEDE Aruba, Stichting Jantje Beton, and local stakeholders collaboratively selected Lago Heights Park as the ideal site. Throughout 2024 and 2025, multiple co-creation sessions involved children, teachers, parents, and community leaders to develop the final park design, completed by architect Raffy Kock in 2025.
Play Areas and Design:
Lago Heights Community Park is designed as a regional playground with three interconnected play zones, offering diverse physical, creative, and social experiences. Thoughtfully landscaped green areas, shaded rest zones, seating, and obstacle-free pathways create a welcoming environment. The park serves not only as a playground but also as a public community space for families, schools, and residents, promoting physical activity, creativity, and social cohesion.
Funding and Implementation:
The ambitious project has a total budget exceeding initial funds. To date:
- Stichting Jantje Beton committed 300,000 AWG
- CEDE Aruba contributed 150,000 AWG
- Ministry of Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) via VNACS added 181,000 AWG
Approximately AWG 170,000 in additional funding is still required to complete the project. Requests for these funds have been submitted to the Aruba government and included in the recently approved supplementary budget. Construction has already begun, with site preparation and material procurement underway, and the park is expected to open fully in July 2026.
Long-Term Vision:
CEDE Aruba and Stichting Jantje Beton plan to enter a long-term agreement with the Government of Aruba to ensure sustainable maintenance of Lago Heights Park and create a framework for future safe and inclusive playgrounds across the island. Active involvement of private sectors, local organizations, and the community is central to this shared responsibility, reflecting the belief that investing in children is investing in Aruba’s future.
Photo Credits : https://diario.aw/categories/noticia/general/progreso-grandi-den-desaroyo-di-lago-heights-park-na-san-nicolas
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