Emmen, Netherlands – The local government of Emmen is taking significant strides toward crafting its future as it opens the doors to the exhibition titled ‘Gemeente Emmen in 2040 door de ogen van kinderen’ (Emmen Municipality in 2040 Through the Eyes of Children). The event was inaugurated on February 26, 2025, by Councillor Albert-Jan Jakobs alongside the children’s mayor, Tess Katerbarg, at the town hall. This exhibition is part of the city’s broader work on its Environmental Vision, aimed at envisioning how Emmen should look and operate by 2040.
Every child council was invited to contribute their insights, sparking creativity and encouraging young residents to express their vision for the future of Emmen. The children were tasked with conceptualizing their envisioned environment through creative assignments. They produced drawings, collages, or dioramas capturing their thoughts on living conditions, wildlife, recreational activities, and modes of transportation 15 years down the line. Councillor Jakobs remarked, "When we say children are the future, we take it one step farther here: they are creating it. It’s fantastic to see their interpretations of what’s possible concerning housing, nature, mobility, and sports. Their ideas play a significant role in shaping our Environmental Vision."
One young participant, Ali Unal from the Angelslo children’s council, shared his clear vision for the future. He stated, "I believe the municipality should become greener and prevent people from being poor. By 2040, we will have more technology. If we think of something, it will already be here. Plus, we must reduce waste going to the water for the health of our fish.”
The exhibition will be displayed proudly for three months in the central public area of the town hall, providing residents with the opportunity to admire the innovative and refreshing ideas put forward by their youngest citizens. The municipality invites everyone to discover how children perceive the future of Emmen.
Further enhancing community engagement, the Environmental Vision outlines how the Emmen municipality will address the physical environment for years to come. This encompasses the spaces where residents live, work, interact, and unwind. The council aims to preserve and strengthen the beauty of the municipality yet must also prepare to tackle future challenges, understandably leading to complex choices.
Emmen intends to create a vibrant, future-proof municipality by 2040 where residents enjoy spending time. The government stresses collaboration with residents and businesses since choices can significantly impact the environment. Earlier, surveys were conducted, and discussions were held with citizens across schools to gather insights. The next phase will involve focusing on specific areas within the municipality, partnering with village and district associations and residents. A ‘Day of the Municipality of Emmen’ is also planned to discuss what the community’s ambitions mean for the residents and businesses directly.
Meanwhile, culture takes center stage with the Vocaal Ensemble Magnificat Emmen presenting Bach’s Johannes Passion on April 5, 2025. This concert promises to be captivating and prepares attendees for the Easter season. The performance will be held at the Grote Kerk of Emmen at 7:30 PM, with another rendering scheduled at Koepelkerk Smilde on April 6 at 3:00 PM. Under the direction of Daniel Rouwkema, the ensemble will be accompanied by a professional Baroque orchestra and talented young soloists, including Yerin Mira Läuchli (soprano), David van Laar (alto), Twan van der Wolde (tenor), and Michiel Nonhebel (bass).
The performance invites everyone, whether classical music enthusiasts or new listeners, to experience the emotional depth of Bach’s work. The organizers encourage potential attendees to discover what resonates with them through this moving musical interpretation of the Passion narrative.
Adding to the local developments, the province of Drenthe will undertake significant road improvements starting March 1 through June 22, 2025.These improvements aim to renovate the intersections of Phileas Foggstraat and Abel Tasman along the Rondweg Emmen, which includes replacing traffic lights and adjusting asphalt. Throughout this construction, one lane with two lanes will remain open, but delays might be expected. To minimize disruption, the project will be executed in four phases, including weekend closures for setting up temporary traffic measures. Both vehicles and bicycles will have alternative routes provided.
An information session will be held on February 11, 2025, from 4 PM to 7 PM at the Entrepreneurs Café of Ondernemend Emmen, located at Kapitein Nemostraat 20. Representatives from the province of Drenthe, the municipality of Emmen, and the contractor will be present to answer questions about the project.
The intersections will retain their level crossings, but the replacement of traffic signals is aimed at improving traffic flow. This initiative is part of the MM Bereikbaar program—a collaborative effort between the province and municipality to make traffic along Rondweg N391 and N862 safer and smoother.
Overall, with community input actively shaping the future, cultural events enriching the local vibe, and infrastructural updates on the horizon, Emmen stands poised to develop and thrive as it heads toward 2040 and beyond.