De Valkenier (

English English usually refers to: * English language * English people English may also refer to: Peoples, culture, and language * ''English'', an adjective for something of, from, or related to England ** English national ide ...

: ''The falconer'') was an

amusement park An amusement park is a park that features various attractions, such as rides and games, as well as other events for entertainment purposes. A theme park is a type of amusement park that bases its structures and attractions around a central ...

in Valkenburg aan de Geul,

Netherlands ) , anthem = ( en, "William of Nassau") , image_map = , map_caption = , subdivision_type = Sovereign state , subdivision_name = Kingdom of the Netherlands , established_title = Before independence , established_date = Spanish Netherl ...

. The attractions focused mostly on families with children below the age of twelve. Founded by Jan Albert Otermans in 1934 under the name ''Ontspanningsoord Natuurbad Valkenburg'' (

: ''Recreational

natural pool A garden pond is a water feature constructed in a garden or designed landscape, normally for aesthetic purposes, to provide wildlife habitat, or for swimming. Habitat Garden ponds can be excellent wildlife habitats, and can make a contribution t ...

Valkenburg'') it was the oldest amusement park in the

Benelux The Benelux Union ( nl, Benelux Unie; french: Union Benelux; lb, Benelux-Unioun), also known as simply Benelux, is a politico-economic union and formal international intergovernmental cooperation of three neighboring states in western Europe: B ...

countries. Starting with a rowing pond with a playground and pool, the park added attractions over the years and slowly grew into a modern amusement park. A rollercoaster and other mechanised entertainment was introduced in the 1970s and 1980s and the name of the park was changed to ''De Valkenier''.

History

The park was founded in 1934 by Jan Albert Otermans under the name ''Ontspanningsoord Natuurbad Valkenburg'' (

: ''Recreational

Valkenburg''). This makes it the oldest amusement park in the

countries, with Duinrell opening a year later.De Valkenier
at parkspot.eu, reviewed on 7 March 2015 The first attractions were a rowing pond and playground. Soon a mixed gender pool was added. Otermans expanded the park with non-mechanical attractions like slides and playground equipment. After his death in 1975 his children continued the park, added mechanised attractions, and changed the name to its current name ''De Valkenier'' to fit the content.

Attraction tax

In 2004 the municipality of Valkenburg aan de Geul introduced a new attraction tax which would increase taxes for the park. After the tax was introduced, it was proposed to move the park to the Steinerbos attraction park in Stein. However, the park did not move.De Valkenier
at limburg-actueel.nl, viewed on 7 March 2015

Management

The amusement park is a family business. Jan Albert Otermans was succeeded by his son and two grandsons before the current manager, great-granddaughter Nancy Otermans took over in 2008.

Gallery of images

Valkenburg, Pretpark De Valkenier, april 2014.jpg, Entrance Valkenburg, Pretpark Valkenier01.jpg, View from the entrance Valkenburg, Pretpark Valkenier03.jpg, Safari and ferris wheel

References

External links

*
De Valkenier
at Valkenburg image archive

at Rollercoaster database {{Amusement parks in the Netherlands Valkenier Valkenier Tourist attractions in Limburg (Netherlands) Buildings and structures in Valkenburg aan de Geul 20th-century architecture in the Netherlands