It Aventoer

To provide a clear overview of where we currently stand in the process and to show the steps that still lie ahead in the construction process, a roadmap has been created. The roadmap outlines the current schedule and the steps that still need to be taken. This is a dynamic overview. The schedule is not set in stone and is subject to change.

View the roadmap (PDF) 

Project Manager Harrie Siegersma opened the meeting and explained the purpose of the evening: to provide an update on the potential site for the new Skoalle It Aventoer building (located in the woods near De Boenders) and to gather questions, concerns, and points of interest from the village. 

During the meeting, Eugène Wijffels presented an alternative plan for the school’s location on behalf of a group of local residents. The proposed alternative is located on the north side of the forest, on a meadow.

During the meeting, attendees shared a variety of comments, questions, and concerns, as well as positive feedback. Below is a summary of the key points.

Preferred location: De Boenders Forest

Much of the evening was devoted to the proposed location in the woods near De Boenders. The audience expressed both positive reactions and concerns.

Several attendees noted that the location in the woods also offers opportunities. For example, it was mentioned that a school in a natural setting can contribute to:

• More opportunities for outdoor play and physical activity;
• A strong connection to nature and recreation;
• Making the forest more accessible and attractive.
• Connection to the village 

Traffic safety and heavy traffic

Road safety was a key topic at the meeting. Several attendees expressed concern about the traffic situation around the school.

Among other things, it was mentioned that:

• In some parts of the village, people are already driving too fast—at De Jister, Tsjerkeleane. And also at the entrance to the doctor’s office;
• Driving children to and from school can lead to congestion and unsafe situations;
• Traffic will be allowed to drive through residential areas.

We were asked whether traffic counts had already been conducted and how traffic flows would be managed in the future. We were told that we are still in the design phase but that this is something we are considering. 

It was also noted that it is important to divert traffic away from the village as much as possible so as not to place an additional burden on residential streets. One-way traffic in residential areas and addressing parents about their parking habits were mentioned as possible solutions.

Parking

Several attendees expressed concerns about the parking situation at the potential forest site.

There is a feeling that:

• The number of parking spaces may be insufficient;
• Parents will park their cars in the surrounding residential streets;
• This could put additional strain on the neighborhood.

It was therefore requested that, as the plan is further developed, careful consideration be given to ensuring sufficient parking and clear traffic routes.

Nature and its impact on the forest

Questions were raised about the potential impact on nature and wildlife at the proposed forest site.

Among other things, the following questions were asked:

• Which animals live in the forest;
• How many trees may need to be cut down;
• Will there be replanting, and how will it be handled?

A number of attendees expressed concern about the school’s impact on the animals’ habitat. 

The municipality explained that a nature assessment and species survey are currently being conducted. Only after that can the impacts be determined and the necessary measures identified. The municipality must apply for a permit from the province.

One attendee suggested that the area might also be upgraded to better integrate nature, recreation, and education.

There are no plans yet regarding the replanting. The municipality is developing a comprehensive plan for the measures specified in the provincial permit.

The question was also raised as to what would happen if a study concluded that construction at this location is not feasible. The municipality stated that, in that case, alternatives would have to be reconsidered.

Social security

Social safety around the school was also discussed.

A number of attendees said they were wondering:

• How safe walking routes through the woods are for children;

Whether there is sufficient visibility and social oversight;

• What's happening in the area in the evenings and on weekends.

Other attendees noted that this issue may affect multiple locations and that it should be properly addressed in the design.

Alternative location

The presentation of the neighborhood alternative elicited a variety of reactions. Some of those present said they found the plan interesting because:

• The openness of the location;
• At the same time, others pointed out that this plan might simply shift traffic problems to another neighborhood, such as De Jister.

It was also emphasized that spatial planning often involves conflicting interests and that, at every location, there are people who perceive both advantages and disadvantages.

Role of the province

During the meeting, it was also explained that the Province of Friesland plays an important role in the site selection process. Among other things, the province takes into account the so-called "red contours": the boundary within which construction is permitted.

Regarding the forest site, the province has indicated that it is willing to adjust these boundaries to allow for construction. This is not yet the case for the alternative plan in the meadow.

Best interests of the children

Several attendees emphasized that the final decision should be based primarily on what is best for the children and education. Safety, accessibility, and a good environment for the school were cited as key factors in this regard.

Communication and Information

Finally, the discussion turned to communication with the village.

Attendees noted that it is important to:

• Keep residents well informed of progress;
• To clarify the remaining steps in the process;
• Several communication channels were mentioned, such as:
  • Great!
  • Community platforms, such as Facebook and neighborhood apps
  • If necessary, information can be provided via door-to-door letters in a neighborhood when an issue directly affects that neighborhood
  • Community Coach
  • Roadmap/timeline to visualize the process

On September 25, a walk-in meeting was held to discuss the location of the new school to be built. The report of this meeting was shared through the usual channels. During this evening, the preferred location for the school was presented.

In response to this, a number of local residents have submitted an alternative plan to Plaatselijk Belang Langezwaag. We welcome the fact that the neighborhood is contributing ideas about this development.

The working group, consisting of representatives from Plaatselijk Belang, the school, and the municipality, will now continue its investigation into the preferred location. In addition, investigations are also underway for the entire De Boenders site. These investigations are as follows:

• Measuring the forest
• An ecological study of animals and birds present
• A soil survey of the pasture north of the forest
• A nature assessment for the meadow north of the forest

At the beginning of 2026, we will enter into discussions with the province of Fryslân. The province is involved in the spatial integration of the plans and in the permits required under the Nature Conservation Act.

We will inform you as soon as there are any new developments.

Kind regards,

The members of the working group

Good Day,

On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, the working group "IKC It Aventoer" organized a walk-in evening for residents of Langezwaag, Luxwoude and Jonkerslân about the new building of Integral Kind Centrum It Aventoer. 

The working group consists of representatives of PB Langezwaag, the school director, school umbrella organization Comprix and the municipality of Opsterland.

The report of this meeting is attached. 

• Read the report
• View the principle sketch

With this meeting, we wanted to inform residents about the plans for a future-proof school in a new location and gather their input.

The process so far

Following the merger of De Wjukslach and De Hoekstien elementary schools, It Aventoer was established as the school serving the three villages. It Aventoer’s current school location is too small and offers no room for temporary expansion. Therefore, a new location was sought, and the area between the De Boenders bypass and the village emerged as the most suitable site. The village is actively involved in the planning process through the sounding board group and the community roundtable. The sounding board group consists of representatives from the villages and concerned residents (including parents of students at the school), and has provided advice on residents’ wishes and concerns. 

The environment table (consisting of advisors from the municipality, province, Wetterskip, the local interest, the school, the sports association and a delegation from the sounding board group) weighs all interests and supports the municipality in drawing up a supported plan. The intended location of the school is the site on the south side of the forest. An impression of what it might look like can be seen here:

Open House Evening, September 2025

During the open house, residents had the opportunity to share their comments and any concerns they might have, as well as ask questions. Many comments focused on the school’s proximity to the edge of the forest and traffic safety on Jister and Tsjerkeleane. The presence of protected animal species in the forest and the proximity of a cell tower were also mentioned. Additionally, it was suggested that the access road to the school run along the bypass. Of course, there are local residents who have concerns about this development, but there were also positive reactions regarding this location and its connection to nature and the sports facilities.

The comments made will be included in further plan development.

Continued

In the coming period, the collected feedback and studies on environmental aspects will be further analyzed. Residents can stay informed via the Opsterland municipality website at www.opsterland.nl/itaventoer. Information will also be shared through the school, the Klaverbledsje newsletter, and various WhatsApp groups for the neighborhoods in Langezwaag. Are you not tech-savvy? In that case, you might ask your neighbor to share the information with you or help you look it up.

If you have any questions
For questions, please contact Harrie Siegersma, project leader of the Municipality of Opsterland at h.siegersma@opsterland.nl.

Kind regards,

Working group IKC It Aventoer

You can find the report from this meeting in the overview below
(More information).

Sept. 10 from 6:30 - 8 p.m., village hall in Langezwaag

There will be a new school in Langezwaag: Kindcentrum It Aventoer. We would like to invite you to a walk-in meeting on:

• Wednesday, Sept. 10;
• from 6:30 to 8 p.m;
• at the village hall in Langezwaag. 

The Local Interests of our three villages worked together with the school, Comprix, Opsterland municipality and the provinsje Fryslân to find a preferred location: The Boenders, on the forest side.

You can walk in and we will update you on where we are in the process, what plans are in place and you can ask your questions or share ideas.

Want to know more?

Check out the latest updates on this website. 

You’ve probably heard something in the village about the arrival of a new school. We understand that you have questions—ranging from “Where exactly will the school be located?” to “When will the school be ready?” We’d be happy to tell you more.

A retrospective

The local interests of Langezwaag, Luxwoude and Jonkerslân have proposed De Boenders to the municipality as a preferred site for a new Children's Center. To realize this, cooperation is needed from the provinsje Fryslân. With the support of the Opsterland municipality, the Local Interests jointly sent a pressing letter to the deputy of the provinsje Fryslân, requesting that the red contours be moved up for new school construction.
In the second half of 2024, administrative and official consultations took place between provinsje Fryslân and the municipality on this matter. Provinsje Fryslân understands the need to look for a location outside the red contours for the school. For this, however, a location must be sought that is adjacent to the existing buildings. The exact location must at all times be fully and comprehensively substantiated according to the guidelines before the provinsje makes a final decision. This gave the green light for further exploration of De Boenders.

A call for input

The realization of an integral child center requires an integral approach in its preparation. Therefore, the municipality organized an environment table in which the parties who need something from the planning process sit around the table at an early stage. In addition to the authorities, Comprix and the school board, the three local interests, villagers and future users were also involved at an early stage in making the plans. An appeal was made in the villages by the local interests. There was a good response to this. There was a lot of interest among residents to think along. Therefore, it was decided to create a sounding board group. The sounding board group consisted of about twelve people from the villages of Langezwaag and Luxwoude in particular. Very nice that the involvement in the villages is so great. They made a good contribution.

The Environment Table

The following parties were represented at the Environment Table: the local interests of the three villages, a delegation of inhabitants, a delegation of team It Aventoer and Kinderwoud, the school board of Comprix, several advisors of the municipality of Opsterland, provinsje Fryslân, Wetterskip Fryslân, Sport Fryslân and other parties involved. At this Environment Table, governments have set the frameworks and defined the tasks and other stakeholders such as the users of the school, villagers and parents (a small delegation of the sounding board group) have thought along about how they want to use the school and the environment in practice. In the meetings, we worked to explore all wishes, opportunities, concerns and risks. This analysis led to a preferred location within De Boenders. This was worked out in a first rough sketch. 

Where are we now?

After two environmental tables (and several sounding board sessions in preparation for them), everyone is excited about the forest side, close to the sports fields. This is a beautiful and unique place for children to learn, play and grow up. A place where nature, sports and education come together in a natural way. Daily adventure in learning, playing and relaxing is literally on your doorstep here. Not only for students of the school, but also for our villagers. 

The municipality is now investigating the feasibility of the preferred location. This includes looking at nature and biodiversity, traffic, soil, water, capacity on the energy grid and the financial picture.

As for the practicalities of the school environment; local interest works closely with villagers, sports and the school in this. 

The Comprix Foundation will soon start the design process of the building. The student council and participation council of It Aventoer are actively involved in this process, so that the building will soon fit in well with the wishes and ideas of the team, the children and the parents. In this process, each party has its own tasks, but we also arrange joint meetings to keep each other informed of the progress. 

The sequel

We will keep you informed of the next steps. What we want to realize together is much more than just a school building. It will be a central place in the village, where young and old can meet. A place for education, sports, nature, meeting and connection. A place we can all be proud of. We like to emphasize that we are really doing this project together. Although all parties involved individually take their own role, we especially want to stay connected. 

Walk-in meeting

We aim to hold a walk-in meeting for residents before summer where we will provide a glimpse into the plans that are in place and where residents can ask questions.

Learn more

Information about the developments of Kindcentrum It Aventoer and the reports of the various meetings can be found at www.opsterland.nl/itaventoer. In addition, we will continue to keep you informed through the websites of the Local Interests, 't Klaverbledsje and the app groups you are familiar with. Do you have questions or ideas? Feel free to let us know. 

The first Environment Table for the construction of the new IKC It Aventoer is a fact. On March 5, the representatives of the Pb's of Langezwaag, Luxwoude, a number of inhabitants, a representative of the soccer club, the neighborhood sports coach, school board 'It Aventoer', Comprix and advisors from the Wetterskip, provinsje Fryslân and municipality of Opsterland sat down together to think about the new location at De Boenders. 

It was a good meeting. A preferred location was unanimously expressed. The exact location raises issues. We will now investigate this further. The outcome of this meeting will be input for the next sounding board meeting on March 19. The next Environment Table will take place on April 3. The report of this meeting will follow shortly.

Looking for a location

We are currently searching for a suitable location for this school. A number of locations have been looked at. 'The Boenders location' northwest of Langezwaag emerges as the most suitable location. We are organizing sounding board meetings for which residents of the villages Langezwaag, Luxwoude and Jonkerslân could sign up. The first sounding board meeting took place on February 12. You can read the report here. The second will take place on March 19. This is in preparation for the Environment Table. 

Thinking along at the Environment Table

For the development of this new school we are organizing an environment table. At this table we invite stakeholders and authorities to help think about the new location. The exact location is still open. It could be the part along the Boenders that is currently used agriculturally or the forest side close to the sports fields. Both possibilities are being explored. It is important to look at these possibilities from different disciplines. The intention is that at this environment table the authorities will set the frameworks and define tasks and that those involved, such as the users of the school, villagers and parents, will think along about how they want to use the school and the environment in practice. 

From each of the local interests Langezwaag, Luxwoude and Jonkerslân a board member is present at the environment table and from Langezwaag two more residents are joining. The first Environment Table will take place on March 5 and the second one on April 3. We will keep you informed!