Four Hoven Walk

This walk goes along the Dog Play Area Vierhoeven

They sprung up like mushrooms from the ground in Roosendaal, and now there is also interest from other municipalities. The Roosendaal model of dog play areas is spreading its wings.

Play areas

The idea is simple, says Cor Gabriëls, initiator of the off-leash area in Tolberg two years ago and since then more or less ambassador of these play areas. "Actually, dogs are not allowed to run off-leash in built-up areas. In Roosendaal, it is only allowed in Visdonk, but that area is not fenced and there are many other animals. A dog play area is a fenced piece of land in the built-up area where dogs can run and play."

Rectangular areas, so the dogs can really run a considerable distance without immediately running into a fence. The sites themselves are equipped with grass and some play equipment. Gabriëls: "We get the land on loan from the municipality, which also provides a trash can and Belloo (dog poop bag dispenser). Furthermore, it is up to the users to maintain and keep the field clean. If they neglect it, the municipality can close the area."

Gabriëls was instrumental in establishing the play area in his neighborhood Tolberg, at Druivenberg, two years ago. "At that time, there was only one small one in Roosendaal, in Burgerhout. I thought it was such a good idea that I felt our neighborhood should have something like that too."

Ten off-leash areas

Two years later, Roosendaal has ten such off-leash areas, Nispen has one. Gabriëls: "And we are working on an eleventh one, in the Fatima neighborhood." Initially, it was supposed to be located on Doctor Nolenslaan, but nearby residents objected. "So we are now looking for another location."

The Roosendaal play areas are also attracting attention outside the city. Gabriëls: "I have been approached by initiators from Bergen op Zoom. They want to run a trial at city park Kijk in de Pot. But there is also interest from Oudenbosch, Kruisland, Goes, Baarle-Nassau, and Brummen."

To celebrate the success of the dog play areas, a puzzle walk for dogs and their owners will be held on Saturday, October 7, along all the locations. "A sort of Eleven Cities tour along the eleven play areas," jokes Gabriëls. Participants can choose from distances of 6, 12, or 24 kilometers.

Departure and arrival at the play area Vierhoeven on Turfvaartsestraat. Registration can be done at the veterinary clinic at Gastelseweg 45 and costs a few euros. The proceeds will go to the Stichting Dier en Project. More information via aws4pawsrsd@gmail.com or facebook.com/HSPpromotor.