Museums and science centres are becoming increasingly interactive and are moving towards attractions. The Belgian water activity centre is no exception. Hidrodoe is responding to this trend. Without losing sight of the educational objective. Weather presenter Jacotte Brokken confirmed this during the opening: “With this outdoor experience, Hidrodoe shows that they are still unique and original after 20 years. The message of the Water Garden is: cherish water, every drop counts. That is a message that is super important, for young and old. Water is scarce and precious, we still don't realise that enough.”
Together with Jan De Haes, deputy for tourism and environment for the province of Antwerp, Mien Van Olmen, mayor of Herentals and Eddy Troosters, CEO of Pidpa, the Blauwe Watertuin was festively opened. The children of the first and sixth grade of primary school de Wijngaard from Herentals were the youngest VIPs at the opening party.
“The message that Hidrodoe brings is very important,” Jan De Haes emphasizes. “Water can cause conflicts, because it is just as precious. We are so used to drinking water coming from the tap, but in many countries this is not the case. We can certainly encourage this awareness-raising from Hidrodoe to young and old from the province.”
Mayor Mien Van Olmen adds: “For more than 20 years, we have been proud of Hidrodoe in Herentals. The location near the Kleine Nete is inspiring and unique. Hidrodoe and the city of Herentals have been able to start up fascinating projects together over the years.”
The new Blue Water Garden tells the story of a drop of water, from its journey through nature to its ultimate use by man.
What visitors do not see are the new techniques that were used for this renovation. “As an innovative water company, we are always looking for sustainable and technological solutions. A few years ago, the idea arose to make Hidrodoe a closed ecosystem,” says Eddy Troosters. “An ambitious idea, but we are currently very close to this goal. With solar panels, a heat pump and especially a closed water circulation, these ideas have become a reality, which Pidpa is very proud of.”
“This water garden was designed together with children. That is why it has become very attractive, family-friendly and child-oriented. We are very happy with this new Blue Water Garden,” says Hilde De Laet, manager of Hidrodoe.
And the children? They especially liked the new Blue Water Garden. With a push of a red button, the Blue Water Garden was opened and the Water Source spouted upwards. The children of primary school De Wijngaard discovered a slide through the water purification, cycling for your water footprint, a climbing course through soil layers and a real cloud maker!
The new Blue Water Garden is open all year round. It remains attractive in winter too, with activities that work in all seasons.
Source and more information: www.hidrodoe.be/nieuws/de-blauw-watertuin-open