Professionals from the play, sports, and physical activity sector will gather at Ouwehands Zoo in Rhenen on September 8, 2026, for the Speelplan Knowledge Day. The free knowledge conference, covering topics including legislation and regulations regarding play facilities, is now fully booked.
The Knowledge Day is organized by Speelplan, an independent design, inspection, and consultancy firm for play, sports, and physical activity. The day brings together professionals from the play, sports, and physical activity sectors to gain knowledge, exchange experiences, and gather new insights for daily practice.
Gaining insight into changing regulations
In practice, it appears that organizations do not always have a complete overview of exactly what is expected of them and how this must be demonstrably organized. Therefore, the Knowledge Day focuses on questions such as: what must you demonstrably have in order, what is checked, and where do the risks lie if this is not properly arranged?
Peter Dekker of the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) guides participants through the current developments affecting the safety, supervision, and regulations of play and exercise environments.
Ouwehands Zoo as a practical example
This year, the Knowledge Day is taking place at Ouwehands Zoo in Rhenen. At this location, work is carried out daily on management, maintenance, safety, and the visitor experience. Participants will get a look behind the scenes, and park employees will share their experiences in managing and developing a modern recreational environment.
Part of the program is an interactive question-and-answer session on the development and management of playgrounds for children and animals. In doing so, Ouwehands is not only the host of the day but also a practical example for the participants.
Varied program with breakout sessions
In addition to safety and regulations, management, maintenance, physical activity, social interaction, and playing together are also covered. The program includes insights into play, sports, and social interaction in new housing developments, and various breakout sessions in which practical experiences are shared regarding physical activity, sports, playing together, and risky play, among other topics.
In addition to the substantive program, there is ample opportunity to meet colleagues and peers and make new contacts.
Great interest
Participation in the Knowledge Day is free. The event is now fully booked and registration is no longer possible. For professionals who wish to deepen their knowledge or demonstrate compliance with laws and regulations, Speelplan also offers a broader range of courses, including training for inspectors, refresher courses, and training on design, safety, and management.
More information
Source and more information: Speelplan, Speelplan Knowledge Day September 8, 2026.