Fleur de Marie Sport Field
CLIENT:
Fundashon Rebibá Skaló Abou (FRESA)
PROJECT BACKGROUND:
Hidden behind the grand mansions of Scharloo a small neighborhood with colorful small houses is hidden from sight, called Fleur de Marie. In the past decade there have been a number of projects to improve the living conditions here, mostly in the field of infrastructure.
As part of a large improvement project in 2010 was the realization of a basketball court in the center of the neighborhood to stimulate physical activity and connection between the inhabitants. By 2019 the field was well used, with its paint chipping off, the fence broken, which was causing inconveniences to neighbors, and the baskets in need of replacement.
In order to improve these conditions FRESA initiated a revival project for the sport field, as part of its mandate to stimulate social-cultural development for the youth and elderly in the West part of Scharloo, which includes Fleur de Marie.
The objective was to create a space that the inhabitants could be proud of, that would reflect their feelings for Fleur de Marie and that would elevate the opinion of Fleur de Marie in the eyes of visiting outsiders. With this in mind it was decided that, besides tackling necessary maintenance like replacing the fences and basketball hoops, the painting of the field would be a creative expression of and by the neighborhood.
The team of What’s Your Story set up a brainstorm session with invited inhabitants and other users of the field, to reflect on the question what Fleur de Marie means to them and what the sport field means to them. They doodled images and selected colors that most represented Fleur de Marie to them. Artist Sander van Beusekom (BLEND) then translated these ideas into a colorful design where a number of hands and feet seemingly bounce the a ball around, which is the center circle of the field. In the center circle the name ‘Fleur de Marie’ is prominently presented.
Meanwhile contractor SICON BV repaired any cracks in the field, removed the old fencing and installed higher fencing around the parameter, to prevent runaway balls from destroying neighbors windows. The columns and benches around the field were also painted in a neutral grey.
The team from ‘What’s Your Story’ transferred the design onto the field and organized several days of painting with kids from the neighborhood. By involving them in this way it instilled a sense of pride and ownership in them, make sure they would keep the field clean and whole in the future. After the artist added some special effects to finish it off, Federashon Desaroyo Deportivo Korsou (FDDK) came in to paint the official lines for basket ball and Sherwin Williams added a clear top coat as part of their community contribution.
Since its inauguration the field is used daily for sports by the neighborhood and has even featured in several photo shoots, TV programs and music videos. Every Wednesday the Schepel Foundation provides soccer training under guidance of two coaches and a psychologist to the children of Fleur de Marie.
This project was made possible in part by Stichting Monumentenzorg Curacao, N.V. Stadsherstel, CAB Opleidingsfonds, Active Chance, IMD Design, Sherwin Williams, SICON BV, What’s Your Story, FDDK, Artview and the Schepel Foundation.
KAYENA CONSULTING’S ROLE:
Kayena Consulting project managed the restoration project;
Budgeting & fundraising;
Negotiating & coordinating with all third party contractors;
Planning of the restoration & art work;
Organization of the inauguration;
General coordination.