Successful Opening Weekend for OBA Next and Festive Milestones in the Paper Dome

1 October, 2025

This weekend, the square in Kraaiennest was all about development, connection, and celebration. With the official opening of OBA Next and the festivities in the Paper Dome, hundreds of local residents, artists, and young people came together to discover and celebrate the new facilities.

OBA Next Draws Full Crowds

On Saturday, the new library OBA Next officially opened its doors. This library is specially aimed at young people and, in addition to books, offers plenty of space for creativity, technology, and innovation. There are studios, modern workspaces, and a strong focus on themes such as artificial intelligence.

The opening attracted 400 to 500 visitors. Guests were able not only to explore the new facilities but also to enjoy performances by artists from Amsterdam Zuidoost. The responses were enthusiastic: everything is brand-new, the equipment is top-quality, and there are various places to relax and meet each other.

Paper Dome Buzzing with Energy

At the same time, the Paper Dome was also in the spotlight. While the opening of OBA Next took place, children were able to enjoy basketball in the Paper Dome. The atmosphere was festive and lively, and it became clear that this location is increasingly developing as a beating heart for sports and connection in the neighborhood.

Sunday brought a special moment: the champions’ parade. Various sports champions from the area were honored, ranging from cyclists to kickboxers. Also present was Isportspecial, the organization that organizes sports activities for young people with disabilities. Their champions, of course, received the recognition they deserve.

Prizes were awarded by the alderman, with an extra surprise: the Paper Dome itself received the award for the best sports facility in Zuidoost. The team of young people—Leijn, Jamie, Jaccot, Ravalie, and Jango—accepted the prize with pride and highlighted in their speeches how important the Paper Dome is for the community.

That the Paper Dome has already received so much appreciation after only six months feels like an important milestone.

Young People Shaping the Future

A special part of the development is the youth bootcamp. With a team of ten young people, active work is being done to improve and innovate the Paper Dome. The youth are given the space to bring their own ideas for the neighborhood to life and feel deeply involved in the growth of the place.

For Leijn, one of the driving forces behind the Paper Dome, this journey also carries personal meaning. What began as an internship role has now grown into responsibility over the Paper Dome. He is proud to guide young people in realizing their plans. His dream for the future: that the youth team will be able to fully run the Paper Dome themselves, so that he can eventually pass on the responsibility.

A Weekend of Pride and Perspective

This past weekend marked a double milestone for Amsterdam Zuidoost: the successful opening of OBA Next and the recognition of the Paper Dome as a key sports facility. Both places show how the neighborhood is investing in talent development, creativity, and connection. With so many engaged young people and enthusiastic visitors, the future of Kraaiennest looks bright.