Beneath these old trees lies a story of community. This is the Koogerpark. It is a green space in the heart of Koog aan de Zaan. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of its people.
The Koogerpark wasn’t always a park. The area was once home to “De Jonge Zwaan”. It was a paper mill that stood here since 1616. It was one of the first paper mills in the Zaanstreek. The mill was demolished in 1855.
Fast forward to 1925. Widow A. Honig-Kluyver donated her house and land. This generous gift was for the creation of the Kooger Wandelpark. Her donation ensured the land would forever remain a park. The community rallied. They raised funds for its development.
In 1926, the Kooger Wandelpark opened. J.R. Koning, a garden architect from Amsterdam, designed it. Firma Copijn brought the design to life. Some original features still remain.
The “House with the Iron Bridge” was part of the donation. There was a struggle to preserve it. It was moved to Museumlaan. It now houses the Molenmuseum since 1928.
For decades, the Koogerpark was the cultural heart of Koog aan de Zaan. A music tent was erected in 1927. It hosted concerts and performances. The Midzomernachtsdroom in 1937 was a highlight. But the music tent was torn down in 1971.
The Koogerpark has a monument. It honors the resistance fighters of Koog aan de Zaan and Zaandijk. The monument bears a quote from the Wilhelmus. It reads “Den Vaderlant ghetrouwe blijf ick tot in den doot.” It means “Loyal to the Fatherland I remain until death”.
In 2012, the Duyvis Wiener Pavilion opened. The Koogse machinefabriek Duyvis Wiener celebrated its 125th anniversary. It was a gift to the community.
The Koogerpark has art. The sculpture “Veulen” was placed in 2001. “Vrouw met stola” has been here since 1966.
The Stichting Koogerpark was founded in 1992. The foundation maintains the park. They organize cultural activities. The Koogerpark thrives. It is thanks to the dedication of volunteers. It is also thanks to local businesses.