WHAT ABOUT WEZEMBEEK-OPPEM?

Does the municipality  take into account the recreational needs of its residents?

Let’s look at the facts:

Wezembeek-Oppem is a lively municipality with a mix of young and old. Of the 14,608 inhabitants, 20.9% are over 60 years old, while 47.8% belong to the active population (20-60 years old). The younger generation is well represented: 25.5% of our residents are younger than 20 years old. In addition, 57.9% of households consist of 1 or 2 people.

The municipality offers various recreational options, such as a library, sports facilities, performing arts and socio-cultural activities. 58% of residents are active in associations, and 61% participate in sports activities.

But is that enough?

The reality

Despite these facilities, it is clear that many residents are not satisfied. Only 34% of young people are satisfied with the facilities for their age group, and only 48% of children find sufficient play areas. Among seniors, only 44% is satisfied with the range of activities. 26% of residents are also dissatisfied with entertainment options such as eateries, and only 48% find the shopping offer sufficient.

This needs to be better. It is time to take action and ensure more cohesion, better leisure opportunities and a more vibrant community life for everyone.

WHAT DOES WOPLUS WANT FOR WEZEMBEEK-OPPEM?

For the youth:

We want to involve our young people more in decision-making in our municipality. Through workshops and activities, they will learn how democracy works, and we propose to establish a youth council and a youth mayor. 

We also want to give Youth House Merlin back to the youth so that they have their own place to come together.

We will also strive for better knowledge of possible support for young people who are experiencing mental difficulties. We want a drop-in center for young people (cf. Tejohuizen) in our Druivenstreek so that young people don’t have to stand on endless waiting lists when they need a good conversation!

And we want to help the youth associations in an equal way with infrastructure, their activities and promotion.

For the little ones:

We are committed to providing sufficient playing areas with attractive toys for the youngest residents of our municipality. Theseplaygrounds will not only be safe and challenging for the little ones, but will also be designed in such a way that they encourage encounters between young and old. By creating cosy, accessible play locations, grandparents, parents and children can enjoy together and and get to know each other better. This is how we intend to build a stronger community.

For the seniors:

Seniors also deserve a cosy meeting place where they can have lunch together and participate in social activities. We want to support existing residential care centers in their needs to more easily accommodate the less mobile seniors.

For the active population:

We want to promote better the cultural events and extend the library’s opening hours. In addition, we will stimulate the local economy to create more entertainment options for the active population. For instance, we want to look for a worthy replacement for the former municipal ballroom, which the current coalition had demolished unscrupulously without a dignified alternative.

The current coalition has missed opportunities in the areas of recreation and support for associations. 

Together we strive for a Wezembeek-Oppem where young and old feel at home, and where relaxation and living together are central.

Vote WOplus for a better Wezembeek-Oppem!