The 's-Hertogenbosch MULL centers on a citizens' initiative to create an inclusive playground put forward by Stichting 1184, a community-driven organization dedicated to the well-being of 's-Hertogenbosch and its residents. In celebration of their 10-year anniversary, the organization raised 35,000 euros through community events such as auctions, charity dinners, and sports tournaments, with the specific goal of realizing the inclusive playground. Designed to be accessible to children of all abilities, the playground is seen as a vital addition to the city's public spaces. As one participant shared during a workshop, "It’s about being a carefree family—an inclusive playground unites."
Recent developments
On August 15 2025, the inclusive playground Bosch Park Kietje opened at Burgemeester Loeffplein in 's-Hertogenbosch. While the process faced challenges, such as prolonged uncertainty about the location, it provides valuable insights into how municipalities can better support citizen-led initiatives and foster inclusive urban development. Plans exist to eventually relocate the playground equipment to a more permanent, green site within 's-Hertogenbosch. The permanent location for the playground is still under discussion, with options including spreading the equipment across various city center playgrounds or creating a new playground in Zuiderpark, the most well-known park in the city.
For the NATURO research project, the development of this playground and the collaboration between Stichting 1184 and the municipality of 's-Hertogenbosch provides valuable insights into how municipalities can better support citizen-led initiatives and foster inclusive urban development, and how such partnerships can contribute to more inclusive urban green spaces.
The team
The team behind this MULL project is a collaborative effort involving a range of stakeholders. Key contributors within the municipality include a landscape architect specializing in public space design and the municipal coordinator of play, movement, and sport. The municipality works closely with Stichting 1184, who drives the initiative, and Vriendd, a company that specializes in inclusive playground equipment. As the playground’s temporary location will be in the city center, a city center manager from Den Bosch Partners—an organization responsible for city marketing, city branding, and city making—plays a key role in liaising with local entrepreneurs and cultural organizations to ensure the project aligns with the interests of local businesses, visitors, and the broader community.
The city
's-Hertogenbosch is a rapidly growing city in the south of the Netherlands, with a population of 157,000. Situated where the rivers Aa and Dommel meet, the city is surrounded by dynamic river landscapes and nature reserves. Founded in 1185, 's-Hertogenbosch has evolved in harmony with its wetland ecosystems, shaping its growth and identity.In recent years, the city has focused on strengthening its green infrastructure through the "Green Delta" initiative, linking nature reserves around the city to enhance sustainability and biodiversity. This initiative fosters a deeper connection between urban and rural spaces.To address climate change challenges, 's-Hertogenbosch adopted the Green and Climate-proof plan in 2021, outlining strategies for managing heat stress, heavy rainfall, and biodiversity loss. The plan promotes green building practices and local green initiatives, including urban agriculture, neighborhood gardens and tiny forests, with strong community involvement.In parallel, the Lokale Inclusie Agenda, also introduced in 2021, serves as a strategic policy document that outlines the municipality's plans to ensure equal opportunities for residents with disabilities, reinforcing the city’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
