Survey yields many feasible ideas

Last year, landscape architect Hosper called on residents and visitors, including via Facebook, to make suggestions for a more attractive De Maasheggen. The invitation to submit ideas yielded many useful suggestions, most of which are already being implemented or are being investigated for feasibility.

For example, Hosper used the results of the survey to refine the design of 'gateways'. By "gateways" are meant places in the Maasheggen area where visitors can park their cars, where more information about trail rides and bicycle routes is provided, and where the surroundings can be admired from, yet to be realized, observation towers.

The program team Maasheggen UNESCO reviewed and assessed all suggestions. Some of the ideas submitted are already being implemented, others require more detailed research. There are also suggestions that cannot or should not be implemented, for example because they would detract from the character of the Maasheggen area.

What is already in progress (GREEN)?

• plans for the construction of four observation towers in the Maasheggen area are being developed;
• there will be more walking trails. All of these routes will start and end at the four gateway locations. The hiking routes will come together on a map, which will be available starting in the spring and will also be available for download on the website www.en.maasheggenunesco.comkanfrom then on;
• more publicity is given to the accessibility of The Maasheggen for mobility scooters. Where possible, automobile traffic in the area will be discouraged;
• one of the submitters asked about the possibilities of running a bicycle ferry between the Veerhuis and the unloading wharf in Gennep.
  Exploratory talks have already taken place with Rijkswaterstaat, municipality of Gennep, Het Veerhuis and a ferry operator, among others. Whether and if so when there will actually be a ferry connection has not yet been determined.
• information signs about the Maasheggen at gateway locations will be improved. To avoid a forest of signs, consideration will also be given to whether existing signs can be replaced or should be removed;
• a Maasheggenquiz was previously created and will soon be more widely available;
• The heart-cry 'keep The Maasheggen natural and avoid mass tourism' is of course supported. It has been for years and remains the starting point for the management and development of The Maasheggen;
• asked to use social media to communicate about The Maasheggen. We already do; Maasheggen UNESCO has accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Under investigation (ORANGE) is the possibility of

• install more resting benches and trash receptacles;
• create water taps in the area;
• widen the bike path along the Meuse River near Vierlingsbeek;
• Building more segregated bike lanes;
• give more attention to the Maas and Peelliniepad, which also runs through the Maasheggen area. In that context, it is good to know that the marking of the route is in order and that up-to-date route descriptions can be downloaded from the Wandelnet website. Problem is, however, that the panels are outdated and the booklet for this trail is no longer available. Wandelnet does not expect the booklet to be reprinted this year;
• create (more) equestrian routes in The Maasheggen.
  The Boundless Riding in the Euregion route no longer exists. Gemeente Boxmeer, in cooperation with VisitBrabant and a working group with interested parties, is currently investigating the possibilities of creating an equestrian network in De Maasheggen;
• to build even more clog and boot paths, as well as a walking learning path and a barefoot trail. This will be done in cooperation with other parties active in the area;
• Update the existing Walking Stick Route Boxmeer;
• construct more jetties at marinas;
• make better use of the De Vilt portal;
• enhance the experience of the Meuse River from the Boxmeer core;
• create additional play opportunities for children;
• construct small beaches in less vulnerable areas, where there is also space for a food truck and/or an ice cream stand, for example
• organize more nature excursions and themed walks;
• running routes to be established.

What are we not doing (RED) (for now)?

• Install walkways. They quickly become too slippery and require relatively high maintenance;
• Create a separate walking path along the paved paths;
• Making Maashees part of the Maasheggen area. However, Maashees can be promoted more as an arrival route for hikers and cyclists who want to visit The Maasheggen;
• An additional catering establishment in the area. It is up to entrepreneurs to make plans for that, not the program team Maasheggen UNESCO;
• The organization of a music festival or a disco. However, there is room to hold small-scale events;
• There will be no separate ATB trails in the area. The landscape does not lend itself to this.