Did you know Bijlmerweide has only one house number? Number 1 houses Vogel-en zoogdierenopvang De Toevlucht a wildlife refuge. It sits on an island in the heart of the park. This is Bijlmerweide a park in Amsterdam-Zuidoost. It’s nestled east of the Kantershof and Geerdinkhof neighborhoods. It’s west of the Gaasp River and Diemerpark. North lies the Gaasperpark and Gaasperplas. To the south sits the Verrijn Stuartweg industrial area in Diemen.
Bijlmerweide opened around 1975. It was created alongside the Kantershof and Geerdinkhof neighborhoods. In 1976 a massive artwork Wildzang was installed. It was meant to last a lifetime. Unfortunately it deteriorated quickly. By 1987 it was deemed beyond repair. The last traces disappeared around 2013.
The park’s waterways were extensively renovated between 2014 and 2015. Nineteen bridges were replaced. They were designed to support a maximum weight of five tons. A skatepark was added in 2015 in the E-buurt of the Bijlmermeer. Interestingly this wasn’t part of Bijlmerweide’s original plan. Where Wildzang once stood a children’s playground was created. It was built using almost entirely natural materials from the park itself. Think balance beams bridges and a zip line.
Artist Peter Vial added his own touch. He found neglected traffic signs in the park. He couldn’t wait for their replacement. He created his own versions using mosaics. These weren’t officially sanctioned. He needed to supplement them with official signs. To save his small artworks they received official “art installation” plaques. They are now protected. A walking path winds behind them. There are more natural artworks along the path. Unfortunately some are deteriorating naturally.
Bijlmerweide boasts several other artworks. These include Maarten Manson’s “Spiraalobject” from 1977. Also there is Raymond Perridon’s “Wolken” from the same year. The park offers a blend of nature and art. It’s a unique Amsterdam experience. A testament to the city’s ever evolving character. So take some time to explore this hidden gem. You’ll discover a surprising history and artistic flair. Bijlmerweide is much more than just a park. It is a story waiting to be explored.