[1] It is the heart of the Westelijke Tuinsteden ("Western Garden Cities"), built between 1958 and 1974 as part of the implementation of the General Enlargement Plan of 1935 (Algemeen Uitbreidingsplan).

it is based on the organizational logic desired by Cornelis van Eesteren for his garden cities, built around four axes: housing, employment, leisure and transport.

When the city established its boroughs in 1990, the lake was divided into three: Geuzenveld-Slotermeer, Slotervaart and Osdorp.

There is a trail for walkers, joggers, cyclists and skaters called the 'Rondje Sloterplas' around the lake.

[1] Canoes, surfboards and sailing boats are available for rent including lessons.