The Noordwaard is a recently realised high water floodplain near Dordrecht. The design plan of the Noordwaard is an answer to the increasing river discharge extremes, combining water safety, agriculture, recreation and nature management. However, in terms of governance a gap has emerged. The Department of Water management and Public Works (RWS) had been the main driver in this redevelopment project, being both landowner and project developer. However, there was no plan for the governance of the area after completion, while institutional settings are required to maintain the floodplain in an integrated way. The area has a high potential for the development of different ecosystem services, thus it has the potential to stimulate economic growth in the area. Which leads us to the following question: to what extent does the layout comply with the recreational wishes of the inhabitants and other stakeholders in the area?