Palenstein gets grant for climate-proofing design
Municipality of Zoetermeer receives a grant of €100,000 from the Province of South Holland to make the residential environment in the Palenstein neighborhood resilient to climate change. This is necessary because the influence of climate is increasing. For example, we are increasingly faced with heavy showers, extreme heat or drought. Delegate Arne Weverling presented the check to aldermen Marijke van der Meer (climate adaptation) and Ronald Weerwag (district alderman for Palenstein) on Thursday, March 13.
Alderman Van der Meer: "This grant is a support for Zoetermeer's climate-proof ambition. We are going for even more green in public spaces with less paving and more space for water." Alderman Weerwag adds: "For Palenstein this will soon mean an attractive living environment with more and varied greenery, shady spots, a beautiful view and less heat and heat stress."
Encourage innovative measures
"The plans for the layout of Palenstein fit the ambition of the Province of South Holland to make our built environment more resilient to extreme weather conditions," indicated Arne Weverling, deputy climate adaptation. "The province encourages innovative measures to counter the effects of climate change. By investing in measures now, we want to avoid facing high damage costs afterwards."
Construction started
The construction of the green and climate proofing of Palenstein started this winter. And also the next 2 winters work will take place. The municipality is planting trees, which provide more shade. This will create a 'cool route' between the RandstadRail stop and the shopping center. The parking lot at Croesinckplein will become greener and shadier with 54 trees. Climate changes have also been taken into account in the design of the new square at Rakkersveld. To improve the flow of rainwater, the square will have a wadi. A wadi is a lower green area. Because of the difference in height, the water flows naturally to the wadi. The water is therefore drained in a delayed manner and it works as a temporary buffer during extreme rainfall. The square will become greener and will have an innovative seating edge. The seating edge is semi-open at the bottom (sponge effect), so that rainwater on the street can flow through to the planting area.
Alderman Weerwag: "Palenstein has undergone a major transformation in recent years. This subsidy gives that development an extra boost and helps us further green the neighborhood and make it climate proof. In this way we ensure a pleasant and future-proof living environment for all residents."
More information about the renewal of Palenstein can be found at www.palensteinzoetermeer.nl.
