Historical interpretation:
Older residents probably know: the Kaatsheuvel ice rink is not a natural fen. The lake was dug by human hands. During the crisis years 1929-1940, the government looked for a job creation project to help the unemployed find work. The municipality of Loon op Zand had an idea: an ice rink to offer residents some winter fun during those economically difficult years.
The construction of the ice rink started in 1933 under the direction of the Nederlandsche Heidemaatschappij. Excavators already existed, but to keep the employees busy, the excavation work could not be completed too quickly. All the sand had to be dug out with a shovel, the local history society reported on the board. “And are removed with wheelbarrows.”
The ice rink was festively opened on January 27, 1934. An ice club was also founded. That first winter there were already more than 4,000 skaters on the ice.
Animals also benefit
The ice rink brought fun not only to residents of the region. Animals also benefited from excavating the lake, says Natuurmonumenten. Outside the skating season, birds, insects and other animals would benefit from the water in the otherwise dry drifting sand area of the Loonse and Drunense Duinen.
The Kaatsheuvel ice rink can hardly be called a real ice rink anymore. The ice club was defunct in 1950 and in recent years, due to the mild winters, there is hardly any skating on the lake. But if it is possible, the skates are still tied.