In the Stadshart, work has been going on for some time to give the shopping center a new look. A fountain will be built on the Promenadeplein, which workers have been busy with for several months. But a large white tent has been erected on the same square for a few weeks now. Why is it there?
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The Promenadeplein, opposite HEMA, will be given a complete metamorphosis. Between the terraces of Doppio and Bagels & Beans will be a so-called dancing fountain. A white tent has been placed on a large part of the square with construction lamps underneath. We ask project leader Jeroen Arends of Rots Maatwerk what this is intended for.
cold spots
In order to place the fountain, a waterproof floor is required. That’s why workmen make a concrete base. It has a natural stone floor. The bricks must be grouted and cement-bound materials are used for this. And don’t let them withstand the cold very well.
Jeroen explains: “We cannot process the cement-bound materials at cold temperatures. The concrete doesn’t harden, so we have to throw it away. The municipality wants us to be ready as soon as possible, so we put a tent on top. In the tent we can keep the temperature at five degrees by means of heaters. So it doesn’t work below five degrees.” The employees on the construction site are very happy with it because it means they are not bothered by the wind and it is a lot more comfortable to work with.
Kids soaking wet
The new fountain will turn on for the first time in mid-April. The water circles around in a system. This is to prevent water loss. Two water pumps put on a show by alternating hard and soft water jets. This creates a so-called dancing fountain. “There is a lot of playing in our fountains”, says Jeroen. “Children often enjoy cooling off at the fountain on hot days. They often come back soaking wet. I hope this will also happen in the center of Zoetermeer.”
The fountain is turned off in frost. “Usually this happens in the period from December to April,” says Jeroen. “But we are not about management. Ultimately, the municipality determines this term.”