Volunteer at the playground
Our playground is managed by an association (the Speeltuinvereniging) that is run completely by volunteers. Our main aim is to provide a fun playground and activities for kids. In order to do that we need our members to help in organizing events. You don't need to speak Dutch to be able to contribute. Get in touch via to volunteer.
The association
Three people currently form the board of the playground association: Wilte Zijlstra (chair), Job de Kruiff (secretary) and Janneke Koers (treasurer). They will read your e-mail to when you want to volunteer and contact you to discuss follow-up.
Membership of the association is per family, costs 15 euro per year and allows you to enter the playground, join in activities and rent the building for a children’s party. We have nearly 300 members. Apply for membership via this form. Non-members pay 50 cents per child to enter.
The playground
Playground Maredijk is one of fourteen playgrounds in the municipality Leiden. The municipality takes care of the playground equipment, cuts the grass and dangerous tree branches. We also receive a subsidy from the city.
Our porter Gaiety Kruijt is also employed and paid by the city. She works on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Generally, we are also open on other days of the week, but not always with supervision. There is an up-to-date calendar of the activities in the playground. Via https://svmaredijk.nl/cam you can always check in real time if the playground is open.
One way to volunteer would be to man the porter’s lodge for a couple of hours on a weekend; to welcome visitors and to sell lemonade and ice cream. Get in touch via and an experienced volunteer will show you the ropes.
The building
The building (the Maredijkhuis) is owned by the playground association. Besides the city subsidy and the membership fees, rental income is an important source of revenue for the playground association. We are financially healthy and have a budget available if you have a good idea for an activity that will benefit kids and our members. Share your idea via .
The building also has a neighborhood function, with activities organized by the neighborhood association Maredijkbuurt (https://www.maredijkbuurt.nl/). Their information bulletin is also available in English, see the January 2024 edition.
