Gazing upon Natuurpark Vrije Geer, one might mistake it for just another patch of green. But this small park holds a mighty story. Natuurpark Vrije Geer, nestled near the village of Sloten, is more than just its four hectares. It’s a testament to the power of community and a symbol of Amsterdam’s green heart. This seemingly simple park is actually the last vestige of a vast peat meadow that once stretched between Amsterdam and Sloten. Imagine a time before the urban sprawl, when this entire area was a tranquil wetland.
In the 1950s, the development of the Westelijke Tuinsteden began to encroach upon this natural landscape. By the 1990s, the threat of new housing developments loomed large over the remaining green space. Natuurpark Vrije Geer was almost swallowed up by the expansion of Nieuw Sloten. This expansion would have effectively erased the village of Sloten from the map. A proposed tram line connecting Nieuw Sloten to De Aker further threatened the area. But the residents of Sloten refused to let their green heritage disappear. Led by P. Hans Frankfurther, the Committee to Preserve Vrije Geer Meadow took up the fight. They engaged in fierce debates with the city council. They knew that Natuurpark Vrije Geer, then simply known as Vrije Geer Meadow, was worth saving.
A new tool had just been introduced: the referendum. This was a chance to let the people’s voices be heard. It would be the first locally organized referendum in the city. The committee rallied support from other neighborhoods facing similar threats. Together, they gathered over 32,000 signatures, the minimum required to trigger the referendum. The local media, including AT5, amplified their message. Even Dutch celebrities joined the cause.
On May 17, 1995, Amsterdam residents cast their votes. An astounding 204,500 votes were cast, with a resounding 184,068 against development. The city council was taken aback by the overwhelming public support for this seemingly forgotten piece of land. The people had spoken, and Natuurpark Vrije Geer was saved. For eight years, the borough of Osdorp collaborated with residents to create a new vision for the meadow. Finally, on May 21, 2003, it was officially reborn as “Natuurpark Vrije Geer”. Today, a dedicated group of volunteers helps maintain this precious green space. They work together to preserve its unique ecosystem, ensuring that Natuurpark Vrije Geer remains a haven for both wildlife and people. Today, the common cuckoo flower and the reed orchid thrive here. The park also serves as a breeding ground for a variety of birds, including storks, lapwings, reed warblers, and bluethroats.
Natuurpark Vrije Geer also plays a crucial role in the Groene As. This ecological corridor links Amstelland and Spaarnwoude. Despite various obstacles, a connection was finally established in October 2016, strengthening the park’s ecological importance. As you stroll along the paths, take a moment to appreciate the small wooden bridges. These structures, numbered 2149, 2150, 2151, and 2152, allow visitors to traverse the park’s waterways. They also offer a unique perspective on the landscape. Natuurpark Vrije Geer reminds us that even in a bustling city like Amsterdam, nature can flourish, thanks to the dedication and passion of its citizens.