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).

Illustration: Observatory
Sketch idea The Water Runner
Art Central Park Project Group will select 3 artists from all submitted portfolios.