It was a close call that the City Beach almost disappeared a few months ago due to plans by the municipality. What started as an open, accessible meeting place by the water has grown into a valued piece of the City. Students, locals, and visitors find each other for a drink, a conversation, or just to swim a lap. The beach is not an incidental facility, but a place that gives the City room to breathe. 

Still, it seemed for a moment that this space would disappear. The plans for redeveloping the area did come with a replacement: a small City Square. However, this could not be called an alternative, as an organized and designed square is not the same as the freedom that a place like the City Beach or Noorderplantsoen offers. You know, the freedom to lay down your towel anywhere, except where someone else is already lying. Young people certainly do not flock with their towels to Ossenmarkt or Damsterplein in the summer. No, for that we have the City Beach and Noorderplantsoen. Furthermore, the drawings of the square took into account about 20 recreants, while one photo of the City Beach might show 1000 people at once, and then you wonder if such a small square can handle that.

The City Beach is more than just sand: it is one of the few places in the City where nothing is required. No agenda, no entrance fee, no planning. It is precisely that freedom that makes it valuable. The need for such places does not disappear just because they are removed from the zoning plan. On the contrary: removing the space to relax only shifts that need. People will still want to lie by the water, even if that is not officially intended. The chance of nuisance increases, not decreases.

Students & City believe that Groningen should invest in these kinds of free spaces right now. The City is growing, the pressure on public space is increasing, and the balance between living, working, and life is under strain. A city that allows space for spontaneity, meeting, and relaxation remains livable and vibrant. 

That is why we gathered thousands of signatures with our petition and submitted a motion on December 17 to save the City Beach. Fortunately, this motion gained a majority! The municipality will ensure that you can still comfortably lay down your towel here in the future and dive into the water. We have also arranged for sufficient facilities such as public toilets and sunshade poles, and we have convinced the alderman to investigate whether more public swimming areas and City Beaches can be added to our municipality. All in all, a successful action that will provide a bit more space for students & locals in the City!

We make the City!

Will you help us? Vote on March 18 for Students & City!