1953 - 1979

1953 Opening of Sporthuis Centrum 
Piet Derksen, who later founded Center Parcs, opens his first Sporthuis Centrum store on the Rotterdam Lijnbaan. The first sports department store in the Netherlands is an unparalleled success. Sporthuis Centrum expands into a chain of 17 innovative and spectacular stores within just a few years.
1968 Opening of De Lommerbergen, the first park

In 1967 Piet Derksen establishes a new trend in holidays. 
The 'Villa in the Forest idea' is born out of Derksen's love of getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and getting back to nature. He buys an area of forest near Reuver (Limburg) and builds 30 'luxury' villas, (equipped with colour tv and central heating) and an outdoor pool.

Professor Jaap Bakema, an eminent Dutch architect, was asked to design this first all-season holiday village. He formulated a design which used simple, natural materials. There was to be nothing that did not harmonise with the woodland and strong emphasis was given to features such as large windows, which brought nature closer - guidelines which are still followed today. A new formula was created: From now on the Netherlands can offer the opportunity of short breaks close to home.

1970 Opening of Het Vennenbos
Demand for breaks at De Lommerbergen is so high that a new village needs to be opened quickly: Het Vennenbos, in Hapert, North Brabant.
 
1971 Opening of Het Meerdal  
The latest innovation is introduced in the third village, het Meerdal in North Limburg: villas are located alongside a lake for the first time. Water chutes and fun features are introduced into the swimming pool.

1972 Opening of De Huttenheugte  
Piet Derksen opens his fourth village in as many years: De Huttenheugte, close to Coevorden. 

1975 Opening of De Berkenhorst 
Demand for Sporthuis Centrum Recreatie, as it was then named, continues and the fifth village in the Netherlands is opened: De Berkenhorst, near Kootwijk. 

1978 Sale of Sporthuis Centrum shops 
Piet Derksen sells all 17 Sporthuis Centrum branches and throws all his energies into developing the villages.