Unveiling artwork The Water Runner

The artwork seems to float above the Grote Dobbe: a pavilion in the shape of a drop, at the end of a decking path. Here people can unwind, meet each other or look out over the water. As a landmark between the old Village and the new Stadshart, the artwork brings the two parts together. Whoever enters the Water Runner experiences the open space of the lake. It shows how important water is to people: it connects us and nourishes us.

Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Time: 3:30 - 4:15 p.m.
Location: At the water of the Grote Dobbe, Marseillepad in Zoetermeer

Program

3:30 p.m. - Walk-in
3:45 p.m. - Welcome and speech by Alderman Blansjaar (Arts and Culture)
3:50 p.m. - Fly board show with music and official unveiling
4:15 p.m. - End

The Water Runner

The artwork consists of a sculptural drop that appears 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 several places in the park. From the new deck on the Marseillepad side, there will be a separate walkway 1.63 meters wide toward the artwork. From The Water Runner you will have a nice view over the water, the Village and the City Center. The artwork will be made of anodized aluminum, a durable and virtually maintenance-free material.

Project Group

In early 2024, residents of project group art central park chose this work of art by Observatory from several submissions. The Art Central Park project group chose the idea of The Water Runner because it is beautiful in form, material and color. You can meet there or sit 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.

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.

For more information: www.zoetermeer.nl/kunst