Ton Derks

The creator behind the Hemelrijk project

Ton Derks, an entrepreneur from Volkel, took over a former sand quarry with his wife Gerrie in 1986 and opened it as a recreation site. From the outset he combined swimming, nature, play and ideas developed on location.

His career follows the gradual transformation of the lake into BillyBird Hemelrijk. The growth of its playgrounds, attractions and Happy Together approach reflects a family vision centred on movement, meeting and sharing.