A new artwork for central park
There will be a new work of art in central park. In early 2024, residents of the art central park project group chose from 3 different presentations The Water Runner, a design by Observatory. The artwork consists of a sculptural drop that seems to float above the water of the Grote Dobbe. The shape is inspired by the drop-shaped spire of the Nicolaaskerk, which can be seen from different spots in the park.
From the new deck on the Marseillepad side, there will be a separate walkway 1.63 meters wide towards the artwork. From De Waterloper you will have a beautiful view over the water, the Dorp and the Stadshart. The artwork will be made of anodized aluminum, a durable and virtually maintenance-free material.
Both the city architect and the Accessibility Council reviewed and approved the design. The Water Runner is expected to be on display in the spring of 2025.
The existing artworks "Old Village, New Town" (Irene Fortuyn and Robert O'Brien), "What Are You Afraid of?" and "Monument to a Tree" (Dicky Brand), "Interaction I and II" (Frans and Marja de Boer Lichtveld), and "Ice Sleigh" (Moritz Niklaus Ebinger) also remain part of the park.
Observatorium (1997, Rotterdam) is the partnership of the artists Geert van de Camp, Andre Dekker, Lieven Poutsma and Ruud Reutelingsperger. Observatorium stands for works of art where you can experience the workings of the imagination in the public realm and be seduced into a moment of stillness and undivided attention to the world around it(www.observatorium.org).
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Sketch idea The Water Runner chosen for central park
Project Group Art Central Park, consisting of Zoetermeer residents, selected the idea of Observatory 'De Waterloper' from 3 sketch ideas to be developed into a work of art.
The design depicts a sculptural drop floating above the surface of the water at Grote Dobbe . The sculpture symbolizes the water around us, above us, below us and within us. The water in the middle of the city both separates and connects the old Village and the new City Heart. The water brings the city together and provides a moment of calm. The spire of St. Nicholas Church was also an inspiration for the drop shape. The exact location in the water is still being studied. Account will be taken of the existing works of art and the part of the water owned by the Ambachtsheer.
The Water Runner will be made of anodized aluminum. That material has long durability and it is virtually maintenance-free.
The Art Central Park project group chose the idea of The Water Runner because it is beautiful in shape, material and color. You can meet or sit there for a while. The Water Runner is accessible to residents or visitors with disabilities. The drop shape of the sculpture makes a nice connection to the old Zoetermeer.
In the coming months, the sketch idea will be developed into a design which will be reviewed by the project group, the Accessibility Council and advisors from the municipality. It is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
Observatorium (1997, Rotterdam) is the partnership of the artists Geert van de Camp, Andre Dekker, Lieven Poutsma and Ruud Reutelingsperger. Observatorium stands for works of art where you can experience the workings of the imagination in the public space and are enticed into a moment of stillness and undivided attention to the world around it(www.observatorium.org).
