Welcome to Wassenaar Weekly, your English-language roundup of local news, events and community updates. Here is what happened in Wassenaar this week.
Youth care use rises in Wassenaar despite regional trend
The number of children and young people receiving specialist youth care in Wassenaar rose by almost 9 per cent in 2025, despite a slight decline in the local youth population.
According to figures presented to the municipal council, 701 young people received specialist support last year, compared with 644 in 2024. Across the wider Haaglanden region, the number remained relatively stable.
Despite the increase, Wassenaar still has one of the lowest rates of youth care use in the region. In 2025, 10.4 per cent of young people received support, compared with a national average of 11.4 per cent.
Total municipal spending on youth care exceeded €8.1 million. Mental health services accounted for the largest group, with 483 young people receiving this type of support.
The municipality says further research is needed to explain the increase. It is also focusing on early support to help prevent problems from becoming more serious.
Questions continue over fire brigade’s emergency response role
The decision to stop deploying firefighters as first responders to cardiac arrests continues to raise questions in Wassenaar and the wider Haaglanden region.
Since 1 July, firefighters in Wassenaar and three other locations have no longer been automatically called to cardiac arrests. The Haaglanden Safety Region points to improved ambulance response times and the psychological impact of resuscitation work on firefighters.
However, figures from research by the Netherlands Institute for Public Safety (NIPV) show that firefighters were often first on the scene.
Of 75 cardiac arrest calls examined in Wassenaar between September 2021 and June 2025, police arrived first in 44 cases, firefighters in 17 and ambulances in 14.
Four local political parties — Lokaal Wassenaar, Hart voor Wassenaar, Democratische Liberalen Wassenaar (DLW) and Forum voor Democratie (FVD) — have submitted written questions about the decision and its possible consequences.
The research does not establish whether ending the firefighters’ first-response role affects patients’ chances of survival.
Business owners question Wassenaar’s 30 km/h speed limit
Wassenaar business owners have raised concerns about the village’s 30 km/h speed limit, accessibility and the impact of environmental regulations.
At a breakfast meeting organised by Ondernemend Wassenaar, the local business association, entrepreneurs discussed these issues with Mayor Leendert de Lange and members of the municipal executive.
In a survey of 92 business owners, 94 per cent supported partially reversing the 30 km/h measure to allow higher speed limits on main roads.
Alderman Wendy Frigge, responsible for traffic, said she wants to await the results of an evaluation before considering changes. The municipal council will ultimately decide whether the measure should remain in place or be partially reversed.
Other topics included nitrogen restrictions affecting development near protected nature areas, organised crime and increasing pressure on Wassenaar’s roads.
The municipality is also exploring the possibility of a trial public transport service to the beach during the summer months.
Wassenaar allows limited fireworks exemptions for New Year
Wassenaar will allow local associations and foundations to apply for exemptions from the national consumer fireworks ban, which is due to take effect during the 2026–2027 New Year celebrations.
The ban will prohibit private individuals from setting off most consumer fireworks, although category F1 fireworks will remain permitted.
Under Wassenaar’s arrangements, eligible local organisations may apply for permission to set off up to 200 kilograms of category F2 fireworks, subject to safety requirements.
Events must take place at locations accessible to emergency services, with spectators kept at a safe distance.
Mayor Leendert de Lange says the municipality wants to allow limited, organised local celebrations while maintaining public safety.
Applications can be submitted through the municipality’s website.
Wassenaar presents €101 million budget for 2027
The municipality of Wassenaar has presented a balanced budget of €101 million for 2027, with plans to continue investing in public facilities and local services.
It is the first budget from the new municipal executive and reflects priorities set out in the coalition agreement for 2026–2030.
Planned investments include the renovation of Theater Warenar and the historic town hall De Paauw, improvements to schools, a new municipal maintenance depot and work on roads and public spaces.
The municipality also plans to increase subsidies for youth members of sports clubs by 50 per cent and allocate additional resources to tackling organised crime.
Municipal property tax will rise by no more than the rate of inflation in 2027.
Despite its relatively strong financial position, the municipality warns that pressure on national government funding and the cost of maintaining public facilities will remain challenges in the years ahead.
New playground officially opens at Geesbert van Barneveldpark
Wassenaar’s new playground and outdoor activity area at the Geesbert van Barneveldpark has been officially opened by Alderman Rebecca Baart.
The redesigned area offers facilities for children, adults and older residents, including climbing frames, swings, a basketball area, an artificial grass pitch and outdoor fitness equipment.
Accessibility was an important part of the design. Paved paths and adapted play equipment allow people with disabilities to use the facilities.
The opening attracted children, parents, grandparents and other local residents, who joined sports activities organised by Meester Dennis, community sports coach Wesley Bierens and coach Soraya.
Regular activities will continue, including a weekly sports session for young people every Wednesday from 1.30 to 2.30 pm.
Wassenaar film producer wins two US awards
Wassenaar-based writer and film producer Michael John Fedun has won two awards at US film festivals for the pilot script of his historical television drama 12:37 – The King David Hotel.
The script won the Leo Award for Best Screenplay at the DaVinci International Film Festival in Los Angeles and the Grand Jury Prize for Best Teleplay at the Richmond International Film Festival in Virginia.
The planned five-part series explores the bombing of Jerusalem’s King David Hotel on 22 July 1946, which killed 91 people. The drama tells the story from several perspectives, including those of the bombers, hotel staff, British officials and Palestinian Arabs.
International producers Veronika Lencová and Rick McCallum have joined the project. McCallum previously worked on the Star Wars prequel films.
All five episodes have been written, but the series remains in development. Filming and release dates have yet to be announced.
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See you next week!
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