Healthy city

The story of our city in motion towards a healthy cityHet verhaal van onze stad in beweging naar een gezonde stad.
Rotterdam is a city that wants to move forward. A city where people get things done. Not by talking about it endlessly, but by simply starting. You can see it everywhere: in the port, in the neighborhoods, in the minds and hands of people who build the city every day.
And increasingly, that urge to act is not only about work or building, but also for a healthier life inside a city that had not been designed for that for a long time. More space to move, to catch your breath, to be yourself, and to take good care of one another.

On sports fields where children come together, where elderly people stay active, and where volunteers give their time. In de stad van topsport, waar prestaties inspireren en verenigingen van onderaf kracht geven. In community centers where people work on self-confidence, peace of mind, and support when things are not going well. And, in art, culture and, festivals. Daarnaast kunst, cultuur en festivals. They put our city on the map, bring people together, and contribute to the (mental) health of individuals and to social cohesion among all Rotterdammers.

You see it in the green that returns to places where once there was only asphalt. . On rooftops, along facades, and even in places like Hofplein, which is slowly transforming from a traffic circle into a city park.
And in healthcare, you see it every day. In GP practices in the neighborhoods, but also in Rotterdam’s top institutions such as the Erasmus MC and Erasmus University Rotterdam. There, the people work on research, innovation, and prevention. Care that is close by, accessible, and future-oriented.

This movement was not planned but has developed naturally. By people who saw what was needed and simply started. Healthcare professionals, sport coaches, teachers, residents, and young people. Each from their own role, but all with the same goal: building a city where healthy living is possible
And the best part is: everyone can join in. By making room to move. By having attention for yourself and others. By planting a tree, or by helping someone find their way. Because we do not create health in a doctor’s office or gym. We make it together.
Every day. In every neighborhood.

Rotterdam is becoming a healthier city every day, because we understand the importance of it, because we understand the importance of it.

Rotterdam. Make it Happen.