The municipality of Amsterdam has awarded the Andreaspenning to Lea Witmondt, the founder of Het Eetbare Plantsoen in the Borgerbuurt. Deputy mayor Lian Heinhuis presented the honour during the community garden project’s tenth anniversary celebrations.
The edible vegetable and fruit garden sits on Nicolaas Beetsplantsoen in Oud-West. When Witmondt launched the project a decade ago, the site was neglected green space.
A decade of community gardening
The space has since expanded across three plots looked after by several dozen volunteers. The city describes the garden as a green oasis and the social heart of the Borgerbuurt neighbourhood.
In 2020, Witmondt also initiated the installation of a kiosk on the grounds to serve as an information and activity centre. That project went ahead with a 45,000 euro grant from the West Begroot participatory budget programme.
The Andreaspenning recognises individuals who make significant social, cultural, civic, or economic contributions to Amsterdam. Eligible recipients must have volunteered for a social cause for at least ten years.
![Top [count] Travel Blogs to Follow - OnToplist.com](https://www.ontoplist.com/images/ontoplist31.png?id=6a8dcf108f478)