Imbrechts and El Majnaoui Criticize Machelen Playgrounds

Mechelen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Machelen playgrounds faced criticism as leaders spoke mostly French and were distracted. Opposition councillor Dieter Imbrechts and Alderman Hicham El Majnaoui called for better supervision, inclusivity, and stricter rules.

As VRT News reported, playground activities in Mechelen faced criticism for poor supervision and management. Opposition council member Dieter Imbrechts told the city council that the program did not meet expected standards. He said many activity leaders spoke French most of the time, leaving children who speak other languages behind. 

He also reported that some leaders were distracted, playing football with each other or using mobile phones instead of paying attention to the children. According to Imbrechts, these problems lowered the quality of the activities and affected safety and enjoyment.

“Speaking French regularly has no place in a playground,”

Imbrechts says.

“Parents often send their children to the playground just to practice Dutch, especially during a long summer vacation.”

What are Machelen playground leaders doing about supervision and language issues?

Alderman for Youth El Majnaoui confirmed that issues existed and said he observed them firsthand, as his own children attended the playground program. He stressed that children who speak other languages should not be ignored.

The municipality of Machelen is taking new measures to improve playground activities and supervision. Officials said free play can be useful, but it should not replace proper guidance when leaders are distracted. 

“We want the animators to behave responsibly, even if it is their first work experience.”

Hicham El Mainaoui (Together Forward), Alderman for Youth in Machelen

The municipality will evaluate the playground program and make changes where needed. Mobile phones must now be handed in at the start of each day. A language coach may be introduced to help children who do not speak French. 

Although all activity leaders have youth work diplomas, recruitment will be monitored more closely to ensure qualified candidates. Team coaches guide and assess leaders every week through evaluation forms and feedback sessions. 

“We understand that this is their first work experience, but we want to see more work ethic and responsibility. We will therefore ensure that this is resolved,”

the alderman concluded.

Machelen has organised summer playground activities for children for several years, with programs running annually during the school holidays. In 2023, the municipality introduced certified youth work leaders and team coaches to supervise activities and provide weekly evaluations. 

By 2024, stricter rules on mobile phone use and activity variety were implemented to improve safety and engagement. In 2025, the program ran from July 1 to August 31 and faced criticism for leaders speaking mainly French and being distracted. In response, the municipality announced in September 2025 that it would tighten supervision and monitor recruitment more closely.