Work starts on side-streets around Gershwinlaan

Our designer for public space, Joost de Wit, was guided on the one hand by the official public space plan for Gershwin (the area between Mahlerlaan, De Boelelaan, Parnassusweg and Beethovenstraat), and on the other by what residents said they wanted to see in these streets. ‘Because the side streets are adjacent to residential complexes, we thought it was important to find out what local residents wanted. So, in April 2018, we launched a dialogue using an app (the OppApp). This made it easy for all residents to take part, and for everyone’s views and ideas to be considered on an equal footing. We then presented the plans in September 2018 at a meeting.’

The residents, however, had to wait a while before their wishes could be made a reality. De Wit: ‘We were determined to come up with a design that residents would be satisfied with, and that took some time. There was also a financial puzzle to be solved.’ De Wit’s plan is actually a series of different plans for each side street, each of which – at the request of residents – has a different theme. The theme for Benjamin Brittenstraat is exercise and socializing, in Peter Schatstraat the theme is green space, while in the Leonard Bernstein Street there is space for children to play.

After that, it took some time to find the right contractors to realize these plans. In the end, Jos Scholman was chosen for the soft ground surface, Schreuders Groen for the supply and installation of the planting, and Boerplay for the play and sports apparatus and street furniture. Ronald de Bruin of Boerplay has already made the sports and playground equipment. His company has been making outdoor sports and playground equipment for 60 years. ‘It’s important to focus on the environment in which the equipment will be installed. In a playground, for example, you don’t want to fill it up completely. And you have to look beyond a simple swing or seesaw, and look closely at the designs and objectives of the client. In this case, the aim was not just to create a space where you can play and exercise, but also to make an inviting area, where people will want to sit down and spend time. Additionally, it needed to be accessible for everyone, including wheelchair users, for example.’ In total, Boerplay has created two large installations – one for playing and one for exercise. ‘The final choice was calisthenics equipment. This is equipment where you exercise using your own body weight.’ Boerplay also made the street furniture for Peter Schatstraat. ‘You can read a book there, or catch up with your neighbours.’

The work is about to start. It will only take a few days to install the apparatus and street furniture. After that, contractor Jos Scholman will install a safe, soft ground layer and Schreuders Groen will also start work. This is expected to be finished sometime in early July. De Wit: ‘After that, there will be a final inspection – because safety has to come first – and I expect these spaces to be ready for people to enjoy by the start of the summer holidays.’