The castle and estate were owned by the Orange Nassau Mines from 1917 to 1988. Built on top of the ON I underground network of corridors, the estate grounds during that period accommodated overseers, artists, the game warden and the pool attendant. Following the closing of the mines, government managers and the ON made a proposal to build a large amusement part on the estate. But in 1983, the people of Heerlen trampled, literally and figuratively, all over these plans in an aggressively planned and broadly supported protest march. The involvement of the people of Heerlen came about in a time when youth sentiment ran high for the TerWorm outdoor pool. This exceptionally charming and large outdoor pool was installed from 1920 to 1984 in the woods behind the castle. No amusement park, but conservation of nature and culture was ultimately the choice made by many Heerlenars.

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