The Eendenkooi is located on the only piece of land in the municipality of The Hague that retains the original plot shape from the 17th century.
The Scout Center gets its name from the century-old duck decoy which can still be found on the grounds. The complex has been placed on the list of natural monuments by the municipality of The Hague. It is the oldest duck decoy still to be found in the Netherlands. As early as the year 1563, there is something in writing in the archives about De Eendenkooi. Presumably, the cage dates back to the year 1550. When the Haagsche Zuiderpark was constructed in 1928, the Eendenkooi was expropriated by the municipality of The Hague. The Kooikerwoning and the Heggehuis are named after the last active duck harvesters, the Hegge brothers.
It was not until 1964 that the municipality of The Hague moved to do something with the land and buildings. Both were leased to the Catholic Scouts, Hague District, who established the Buitencentrum de Eendenkooi there.
Scouting, as “the Boy Scouts” used to be called, had planned to develop all kinds of activities for groups of children from downtown The Hague. Because handling and caring for animals was considered an essential part of this program, Scouting housed 5 horses at this outdoor center. In late 1971, an equestrian center leader was appointed on a volunteer basis to coordinate work around the horses and children. In 1978, Scouting decided to divest the equestrian center activities.
The outdoor center is now heavily used by “Youth Riders Foundation De Eendenkooi and the group accommodation “Scout Center De Eendenkooi” which operates the rental business of the buildings and maintains the buildings.
Scout Center De Eendenkooi: Uniquely located in the Haagsche Zuiderpark. Be surprised by forest, beach and city. Just steps away from our group accommodation you will find a beautiful city park, relaxation at the coast and plenty of culture in the vibrant city of The Hague.