Artwork De Waterloper unveiled
On Wednesday, December 3, 2025, Grote Dobbe artwork De Waterloper (The Water Walker) was festively unveiled in the Grote Dobbe . The artwork, created by the artist group Observatorium, appears to float above the Grote Dobbe: a pavilion in the shape of a drop, at the end of a boardwalk. Here, people can relax, meet each other, or look out over the water.
As a landmark between the old village and the new city center, the artwork brings both parts together. Those who enter the Waterloper experience the open space of the lake. It shows how important water is to people: it connects us and nourishes us.
The Water Runner is a special part of the renovated park around the Grote Dobbe.
About the artwork
In early 2024, residents of the Art Central Park project group chose the artwork The Water Runner from 3 designs. The artwork consists of a sculptural drop that appears to float above the water of the Grote Dobbe. The shape refers to the drop-shaped spire of St. Nicholas Church, which is visible from several points in the park. From the new deck on the Marseille Path, a 1.63-meter-wide walkway runs toward the pavilion. Visitors can sit there, unwind, meet each other and look out over the water, the old Village and the new City Heart. Those who enter De Waterloper experience the open space of the lake and are reminded of the meaning of water: it connects and nourishes us.
The artwork will be made of anodized aluminum, a durable and virtually maintenance-free material. Both the city architect and the Accessibility Council gave the design positive reviews.
The Water Runner forms a special part of the renovated park around the Grote Dobbe, where existing artworks such as Old Village, New Town, What are you afraid of, Monument to a Tree, Interaction I and II and Ice Sleigh are also preserved.
In the water
of the drop on the water,
the water around us,
above us, below us and within us,
the water in the middle of the city
Artist Group Observatory(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 Grote Dobbe River. 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).
