Amsterdam: sound of children playing not a valid reason for complaint, say experts

In new outdoor play advice, Sportraad Amsterdam (Sports Council Amsterdam) said local bylaws should be changed so that the sound of children playing was no longer a valid reason for complaint by vexed neighbours. “Especially in an urban environment like Amsterdam, the sound of playing children is a natural, desirable and unavoidable part of daily life. The municipality’s communication needs to position the sound of playing children as a positive and healthy aspect of the city,” said the report. Nick Romeijn, the general secretary of Sportraad Amsterdam, said: “Public space is becoming ever more scarce, including outdoor playgrounds. Rob Hofland, a D66 party councillor who has proposed a new policy to stimulate rough-and-tumble play, said it was vital to give children play spaces.