In Watergraafsmeer lies a playground larger than two soccer fields combined. Speelpark Blijdag covers almost 9,000 square meters and focuses on something that is more often lacking in the city: a place where all children can play together, including children with disabilities. Not a hidden corner, but a full-fledged park in the middle of the neighborhood.
The park reopened in October 2025 under the new name of Blijdag, and that name change was an instant celebration. More than 1,500 visitors descended on the reopening on Oct. 10 and 11. Street artist Frankey unveiled the new name, the colorful entrance gate and the mascot Rollie. That mascot was not just made up: Rollie came to life in collaboration with children and local residents themselves. Also signed at the reopening was the SamenSpeelBelofte, a statement that all children in the city should be able to play.
The park is run by active local residents who volunteer. No professionals behind a desk, but people from the street who keep the park running. They themselves call it neighborhood power, and you see it reflected in how the park functions: involved, accessible and rooted in the neighborhood. The layout is consistent with that. The entrance gate with street art by Frankey gives the park its own character, far removed from the generic gray playground equipment you find in many city parks.
More than 1,500 visitors came to the reopening, street artist Frankey unveiled the gate and mascot Rollie.
A new Circular Clubhouse is also currently under construction on the grounds. During the construction period, the park will be closed during the week, but accessible as usual on weekends. The clubhouse will be a new base for activities and workshops. Watergraafsmeer has long had a reputation as a green, quiet neighborhood with a strong neighborhood feel. Blijdag fits in well: no polished attraction, but a park that really belongs to the neighborhood. And you notice that as soon as you walk in.