Attraction Profile parkworld-online.com


toothbrush-shaped see-saw (teeter-totter), distorting mirrors, a cake-themed climbing wall and several interactive sounds children can trigger including an alarm clock, cuckoo clock and crashing crockery. Most of the play equipment (except for the trampolines) was supplied the Dutch company Ijreka, with theming fabricated by Jora Vision at its production facilities in Rijnsburg, roughly halfway between Rotterdam and Amsterdam, and less than an hour’s drive form the park. However the company was chosen, Ciolina reveals, not for its location but rather its enthusiasm for the project. “We were talking to several parties,” he explains,


“but it became clear that we should go with Jora Vision because they knew what we wanted, even if we didn’t know ourselves. I have to be frank and say at the beginning we were quite difficult to deal with, but there became a point where we both knew that we were producing something special and what I liked most is that their passion increased as the project progressed.”


Unique theme “The biggest challenge was probably working within the confines of the building” says Jora Vision creative director Simeon van Tellingen. “There are a lot of columns in there but we have been quite clever and disguised some of them with branches from a decorative plant. Most of the play centres in the Netherlands have soft play equipment and very few have impressive theming, in this case we had the chance to design customised play equipment with a very specific theme which makes the playground unique in the world."


Upstairs there are some giant suitcases that younger children can step inside and play with big building blocks and various games, while their parents (or grandparents) can relax with a cup of coffee or grab a bite to eat. Beneath the restaurant on the lower level of the building is an exhibition area where children will be able to explore “50 things to do before you’re 12.” The Huis in de Heuvel is part of Plaswijckpark’s strategy to become an all-weather attraction and to reduce reliance on public subsidy.


“Because we are a relatively small park in the suburbs, we cannot grow physically; there are houses and parking places all around,” explains Ciolina. “At our peak we get about 2,500 people in the park, but that’s only about 10 days a year. Hopefully with House in the Hill we can level that out over the year and have things for people to do even when the weather is not so good. We got a reasonable amount of money from the government to build this attraction, but we also paid 1.5 to 2 million ourselves. From now on we should be able to fund things like this from the entrance fee, because we cannot guarantee any subsidies in future.”


Thankfully the park has been able to keep admission prices low for 2013 at just €11 per person for guests between the ages of two and 65, or €7.20 for those 65 and over. Season passes are priced at €44.00, or €30.00 for senior citizens. Think of it as a subsidy for bouncing on their bed.


plaswijckpark.nl APRIL 2013 An artist’s impression of how the house will look once the grass is fully grown 27


Simple


pleasures Plaswijckpark founder CNA Loos


Plaswijckpark manager Fred Nijveld (left) and Plaswijck Foundation chairman Ot Ciolina


envisaged the Rotterdam destination as a place for local families to enjoy simple pleasures in a natural setting. “We think this should be a park where you can find the atmosphere of 50, 60 or 70 years ago,” highlights Plaswijck Foundation chairman Ot Ciolina, “so we don’t want all kinds of electronic equipment; children should play with their own imagination.”


Shoot shampoo at your pals!


Attractions include boat rides, a land train, driving school with pedal cars, a water play area, adventure playground, small carousel and various animal exhibits. Following the introduction this spring of the Huis in de Heuvel, Plaswijckpark is expecting an increase in attendance from 240,000 to 280,000. The ultimate target is 300,000. “That I think will be the limit,” says park manager Fred Nijveld. “If you go too high you have to invest in additional infrastructure.”


Bounce on the beds!


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