Still Waters (Stille wateren)

Still Waters (Stille wateren)

Rottemeren is a recreational area in Zuid-Holland near to Rotterdam. In the area there is the Hoge Bergse Bos, that was formed from a number of rubbish heaps to create a leisure park: it comprises a mountain bike hill, a ski hill and a central hill made from contaminated sludge, around which a water feature has been created. The Still Waters plan was developed to complement this leisure area. The plan was originally more extensive than the feature that eventually emerged. It included a butterfly island, a marsh, five or more bridges, a fountain, a water image, a waterfall and a planting plan. The water feature was divided into five different areas, from contemplative to lively or sensual, each of which was to have its own bridge and/or image. Three bridges, the fountain, the water sculpture and the marsh were realised. The fountain and the water image are in place at two of the bridges. The idea was to introduce an element of delay, a pause in the middle of an area of sports recreation. To achieve this, a bridge was designed based on the shape of a flight of stairs, each bridge varying in type. (Incidentally, the skaters find the steps quite a challenge!) The fountain consists of seven dolls’ heads that spray water, introducing a living element; the water sculpture is a covered table of concrete and bronze, a mysterious element.
Over time, the marsh has undergone an unexpected special development: the streams were excavated for canoeing, but the marsh has attracted so many birds that it is now an interesting habitat for birdwatchers.
Current situation 2024: The Hoge Bergse Bos is currently fully grown and has become an intensively used recreational area. The fountain was removed in 2020 due to a defect. There is currently no budget to restore it.