Long ago on this very spot stood the J Zimmer and Sons iron foundry. This is the Zimmerterrein. It’s hard to imagine now isn’t it? Instead of a petting zoo and playground there were towering furnaces and the clang of hammers. This small park in Amsterdam West was once a bustling industrial site. The foundry produced Amsterdam’s first bollards. They also made lampposts and manhole covers. Some of those original creations still grace Amsterdam’s streets today. After the foundry closed around 1970 the area lay abandoned. Then came Frits Bottelier nicknamed Ome Kick. He fought against development. He organised children’s activities. For many locals it remains the Landje van Ome Kick. The Zimmerterrein was renovated years ago. A petting zoo called Stadsboerderij Zimmer opened in 1996. There is also a playground and a grassy area next to the Kostverlorenvaart canal. A community center called Buurtcentrum de Havelaar stands nearby. Although the park doesn’t have an official name everyone calls it the Zimmerterrein or Ome Kick’s little field. The transformation from iron foundry to green space shows Amsterdam’s ability to adapt and preserve its history. The Zimmerterrein is more than just a park. It’s a testament to industrial heritage community spirit and Amsterdam’s unique blend of old and new. It whispers tales of industry and play. It’s a place where the past and present peacefully coexist. A reminder of the Zimmerterrein’s past lives on in the name. The animals the children and the tranquil atmosphere create a beautiful park perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Isn’t it amazing what transformations this place has witnessed? Enjoy your visit to the Zimmerterrein. Remember the story of Ome Kick and the iron foundry.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to