Mayor Marianne Schuurmans is proud of Haarlemmermeer

Haarlemmermeer is a diverse special municipality

“I have lived in America and from the north to the south of the Netherlands. But no place is like Haarlemmermeer. We are the 14th municipality in terms of population, but in terms of dynamics I think we belong in the top 5. Of Schiphol Airport, all 19.000 businesses we have here and the vibrant economy. Yet for me it is the diversity in the community that is so special. We have large villages with a lot of activity, such as Hoofddorp en Nieuw Vennep and also small towns, the smallest being a town with 65 inhabitants. We can work really hard and yet we can also have a lot of fun. These differences in combination with our history make Haarlemmermeer truly unique.”

Our history appeals to the imagination both nationally and internationally

“I often take visitors there Cruquis Museum. There our story is told about how Haarlemmermeer was drained. But the battle against water did not end there. Even now, water is still pumped out every day through large pipes underground. When I show visitors how high the water would be without these measures, they are incredibly impressed, and secretly I still am too. That's why I think the pumping stations are really worth a visit. It Steam pumping station in Halfweg is on once a month. That's really impressive; you just feel the power of the water. That is also a tip to visit!”

We recreate most often in our own environment, which is very important

“Recreational opportunities in our own environment are extremely important. That's where you spend the most time. That's why I think the Toolenburger puddle such a lovely place. I often walk around there. Residents use this area in all different ways. Sports, playing, swimming, walking the dog, or of course enjoying the great catering industry. And you also come across all kinds of nationalities. For me, this place symbolizes the whole of Haarlemmermeer. Fortunately, we have many of these types of green areas, such as Haarlemmermeer forest of Spaarnwoude Park. And I'm allowed PARK21 of course not forgotten. It will be the literal heart of Haarlemmermeer and is three times the size of Central Park in New York. It is precisely because of the densification around it that these types of places become extra important. That is why we invest a lot of money in it and at the same time look at how we can preserve these places for the long term.”

I attend many events, but one stands out for me

“We have great big events like Mystery Land en Awakenings. Or the village festivals in the centres, such as the Feestweek in Nieuw-Vennep. But one stands out for me; the arrivals of Sinterklaas. I think that is a real highlight of my year. All those smiling faces. Residents from the villages are committed to this and it is precisely those events that residents organize themselves that are important. Society itself ensures that society comes together, and as mayor I am very proud of that.”

Wonderful catering and the best tip for an outing

“If we have something special to celebrate, we like to go Masami Fusion Cuisine in Hoofddorp. But more often we can be found at a number of restaurants on the Ringvaart, such as Grand Café De Pearl in Leimuiderbrug and Lola's Restaurant in Abbenes. And what I really remembered is The Grain Warehouse in Vijfhuizen; small, but delicious food in a special building. I forget all kinds of things now because there are so many great places to eat and drink. Of course, we are not up for nothing Estate de Olmenhorst. Here you can also enjoy delicious catering, but there is so much more here. Shops, activities and of course lots of greenery. This place is truly unique. We are not in the Betuwe, but in the middle of the Randstad. You would almost forget that.”

“Haarlemmermeer residents are not naturally proud people. “Just act normal, you're acting crazy enough,” they often say. But there is so much to be proud of. From the heritage to the green areas and the catering industry to the beautiful estates such as here on the Olmenhorst. In any case, I am very proud of our municipality.”