Parkstad (City Scan)
- Sander Baartmans
- Jul 25
- 5 min read
The City Scan of Parkstad is a regional scan involving six municipalities (Heerlen, Kerkrade, Brunssum, Voerendaal, Simpelveld, and Beekdaelen). The communities are highly diverse, each with different needs regarding sports, physical activity, culture, and youth.
This manifesto outlines the key findings and recommendations on street sports and culture in Parkstad based on a broader research document. Through a city scan consisting of interviews and desk research, ‘bottom-up’ movements are highlighted, ensuring direct input from users and emerging organisers. This approach allowed us to map the needs of street athletes and cultural practitioners.
During the research period, developments already took place that influenced the findings, such as the addition of new facilities, changes in policy, and organizational improvements. Therefore, some nuance is required in the manifesto, considering the region's diversity. There is a growing demand for urban and bottom-up facilities, especially visible in urban areas like Kerkrade, Brunssum, and Heerlen. Heerlen also serves as a central city, with various organizations and facilities that respond to the needs of the street sports and culture domain.
Key Findings from the City Scan on Street Sports and Culture in Parkstad:
Growing Street Sports and Culture Community
The City Scan shows Parkstad has a thriving urban scene with over 9,350 practitioners and 10+ strong leaders. The rise of youth and youth culture highlights the growing relevance of this scene. Thoughtful support and stimulation will significantly enhance these developments.
Old Wisdom, Organization, Strength, and New Ideas: Synergy Between Generations
A new generation of urban enthusiasts is emerging. The older generation is established, organizes events, and collaborates with the municipality or welfare partners. The new generation reaches and builds up youth and urban communities. These efforts are mutually reinforcing.
Need for Facility Renewal
Public space is becoming increasingly important for promoting participation in sports, physical activity, and culture. However, Parkstad seems to lag behind in this development. The (urban) facilities in place are outdated, do not meet current needs, and are often tucked away, discouraging activity and participation. Nonetheless, a new skatepark in Heerlen and an urban park in Brunssum are in the pipeline, developments that will contribute to making Parkstad more activity-friendly.
Support Activities
Apart from the large and well-known Notorious IBE event, few other events and activities in street sports and culture are visible. The scene requires more support to increase visibility and impact. There is a need for networks, facilities, and opportunities to further develop events and activities. This includes the network of social partners and the municipality, public space facilities, and indoor locations such as The Promise, Vie Kerkrade, and/or gymnasiums. With this network, the offerings can grow and be better distributed among youth.
SUMMARY
The street sports and culture community is alive in Parkstad. This is evident from several events, emerging offerings, and a growing scene. The community is actively looking for ways to establish social initiatives and build its network through new projects. A fresh yet rebellious energy is present and valuable for the different municipalities when it comes to promoting participation in sports and culture.
AMBITION
The expressed ambition of this study is to leverage the urban scene as a means of enhancing overall participation in culture, sports, and welfare. Reaching and activating youth aged 12 and older remains a challenge. This research aims to lay the groundwork for approaching, supporting, and fostering the urban scene.
The urban scene itself also expresses ambitions. It is active throughout Parkstad. The skater from Brunssum skates in Heerlen, and the dancer from Simpelveld goes to Voerendaal. The ambitions of the urban scene include:
Organizing small to mid-sized (<1,000 visitors) activities and events to foster stronger communities.
Creating higher quality facilities, particularly for skateboarding, scootering, and (street) football, both indoor and outdoor.
Building connections within different municipalities and with social partners, so the scene’s offerings can establish themselves better, gain visibility, and grow.
ROADMAP
Based on the collected information, urgency, and potential of the needs, a summarized roadmap was developed. A short-term roadmap (<6 months) and a long-term roadmap (3 to 5 years).
SHORT-ROADMAP
Street Sports and Culture Network Group / Advisory Group
Collaboration and mutual support are crucial. The urban scene wants to move forward together and strengthen ties with the municipality and welfare organizations. The municipalities and welfare organizations, in turn, also want stronger connections with the urban scene.
Develop Vision and Goals
A vision and set of goals must be established in collaboration with the urban network group. Together with the urban scene and supported by the municipality, several questions need to be answered: Where do we want to go with urban culture? Is there room for new events? How can we improve the Parkstad offering? How can we use urban culture to achieve policy goals?
Support and Coordinate
To work systematically with urban culture, support, and coordination are needed. Facility, financial, and organizational support from welfare organizations and the municipality. This will help the urban scene establish itself better and lead to a diverse range of offerings.
Boost Entrepreneurship at The Promise
The Promise could become a major attraction for Limburg’s skaters. However, it lags due to outdated amenities and a lack of entrepreneurship. There is a shortage of organized activities, lessons, competitions, and cultural events. If the visibility of offerings such as lessons, workshops, and street culture events increases, the number of visitors could realistically double. Partners such as Loose Ankles play a crucial role. Their involvement, rooted in the skating scene and active in organizing events, presents valuable opportunities to improve the offering.
LONG-ROADMAP
Creating a More Activity-Friendly Parkstad
Parkstad’s outdoor spaces and urban infrastructure are poorly suited for physical activity. There is an urgent need to co-create infrastructure for urban disciplines within 6 months. It's essential to develop quality skateparks, pump tracks, legal graffiti walls, and indoor facilities to ensure long-term distribution of physical activity opportunities aligned with youth needs.
Create Fair Budgets
Once an urban network group and vision are established, budgets must follow to kick-start and elevate the urban domain. These budgets will ensure that urban organizations become sustainable and viable. The Parkstad region has long overlooked and underfunded non-traditional forms like urban culture. Existing budgets are either unknown or simply unavailable for the urban scene. We advise creating an ‘urban fund’ with financial and lobbying opportunities, funded by a mix of the sports, culture, and welfare sectors. Cooperation across these sectors is crucial to build a shared fund.
Stimulate Small to Large-Scale Events
Engage with the new group of urban initiators to explore how small events can scale up. Additionally, events that already exist (e.g. The Notorious IBE) should continue to receive support, as their impact enhances participation, cultural and athletic diversity, and tourism.
Stimulate the Talent Development Chain
Encouraging the cultural talent development chain, especially in urban disciplines, is crucial. This requires establishing a full chain of talent development, including basic facilities like studios, meeting spaces, stages, and exhibition areas to support talent at all levels. Urban disciplines are increasingly featured in programs of established institutions in Parkstad (especially Heerlen), contributing to cultural diversity. However, continued investment in basic facilities for emerging talents is essential. These investments will ultimately strengthen and diversify Parkstad’s cultural offerings.
Curious about the full research document? Download the PDF.
