Borgerswold Park - Veendam

The first plans for a large recreational area in Veendam were drawn up in the late 1960s. It would be a 40-hectare area with a sandy beach, a grassy beach, a day campsite, a children's farm and water: Borgerswold.

The first ponds were excavated in 1972. A year later, a peat colony farm was to be converted into a peat colony open-air museum. Until then, it would be a riding school. The open-air museum never came to fruition, but the riding school is still there. However, you can find a number of peat colony buildings here, such as a farm, a coach house, bridges and a number of homes.

Later came the beach, the allotments, a children's farm and a real sailing lake connected to the Zuidlaardermeer. In 2007, a water ski course was added and the two ponds were merged into one lake.

It has since grown into a recreation and nature reserve covering no less than 450 hectares. With its vast lawns, forests, lakes and winding paths, there is always something to do. A relaxing walk or an afternoon on the water: Borgerswold offers something for everyone.

For those who like action, there is plenty to do. The park has a water ski slope, a climbing park and even an outdoor riding school where you can ride through nature on horseback. Canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding or just floating on the water? You can do it all here. In the summer months, the small beach on the large lake is a favourite place for swimming and sunbathing. Children can have fun in the many playgrounds or the adventure playground.