Activities with respect for people, animals & nature

25 October 2025

At the most beautiful spot in Nieuw West, right in the middle of the greenery and water in Sloterpark, stands the Drijfsijs, the building where the Natuurkamer organizes activities for the neighborhood together with local residents. Koos is a teacher, works for the education union, and is a social entrepreneur. “In the Natuurkamer, everything comes together that I am passionate about: people, education, greenery, and building a beautiful place together.”

Born at the campfire

“As a local resident, I heard that the district was looking for new ideas for this beautiful, lovely, cozy, hidden, quaint place. During a public consultation session, I took the microphone and called on the neighborhood to think together about the future of this place. Around the campfire of the Neighborhood Campsite, plans were made to ensure the continuity of this unique place by, for, and with the neighborhood. And we succeeded. The district and neighborhood jury selected our plan, and we were able to get started.”

All owners

“Local residents come up with and carry out projects and activities with respect for people, animals, nature, and the environment, and are consciously engaged in healthy eating and exercise. Residents with good ideas that fit this concept are more than welcome. The Gnome Trail, experience weeks, cooking together and enjoying good food, stargazing, a lovely vegetable garden, and a Mother’s Day High Tea have been conceived and implemented by and for the neighborhood.”

All day with a smile on his face

“The Nature Room is everything that makes life enjoyable, where you can learn, have fun, and meet others in a playful way. You feel like rolling up your sleeves when you are here. As a volunteer, I facilitate activities, we organize activities to inspire others, and I support local residents in coming up with and implementing their ideas. It brings a positive, fresh breeze through the park, and volunteers work here with passion and love. At the end of the experience weeks, a volunteer exclaimed: ‘I have never had such a great week.’ Then a smile stays on my face all day long.”