Public space has long been more than just a functional backdrop for everyday life. Today, cities must offer their residents and visitors something more: emotions, memories, and experiences. In an era of intense search for local identity and the need to connect with nature, water is becoming a carrier of social values. That’s why so many European cities are turning to their rivers, lakes, canals, and ponds, transforming them into stages for innovative water attractions. How do they do this? And what inspirations can be transferred to Poland?
Read also: Can a glider be part of a city’s active tourism development strategy?
Water as a social space
In many European countries, the revitalization of public spaces began with water. Instead of restricting or hiding it, cities began to showcase it, make it accessible, and actively integrate it into the daily lives of their residents. Copenhagen opened urban swimming pools in the city center, Rotterdam created floating markets and farms, and Zurich hosts regular water picnics on the Limmat River.
Water, in a properly designed setting, attracts events and activates communities. It is also increasingly becoming a stage for performances that break the routine of everyday urban life.
A modern approach – water as a performance medium
It’s no longer just about classic fountains or playgrounds with water mist. Today’s technology allows us to transform urban water bodies into interactive event spaces. Spectacular light shows, concerts on floating stages, and dynamic shows using modern devices such as flyboards or fliteboards – these are just some of the many examples of the new quality in using water as a tool for social and artistic creation.
Events like these attract attention and generate reach on social media. Furthermore, they make residents feel part of something special.
European inspirations that work
Below are examples of cities that are leading the way in thinking about water attractions as a tool for urban policy:
- Amsterdam (Netherlands) – the capital’s canals are used for navigation and art. The Light Amsterdam Festival presents light installations integrated with water. The audience admires them from the decks of the boat, creating an unforgettable audiovisual experience.
- Geneva (Switzerland) – The monumental Jet d’Eau fountain provides a backdrop for numerous light shows and public events that attract hundreds of residents.
- Hamburg (Germany) – HafenCity and the surrounding Alstersee host city regattas, wakeboarding shows, and cinema screenings “on the water.” The authorities support initiatives involving the use of water spaces for cultural and social purposes.
This demonstrates that attractive waterfront events can function as well-planned modular and mobile infrastructure.
A changing approach to urban waters
Local governments and event organizers turn to us because we offer modern water attractions – shows using e-foils (fliteboards), flyboards, and devices such as flitescooters and jetsurfs. The spectacle, safety, and environmental friendliness of these devices make them a successful star at events celebrating city days, festivals, or the seasonal opening of swimming areas.
We specialize in organizing spectacular shows and providing water attractions in public spaces. We have the technical resources, mobility, and experience to implement events in both large metropolises and smaller towns. We support cities in developing active water tourism strategies, designing shows using gliderboards, and building recreational zones based on modern, emission-free equipment.
Water doesn’t have to be a backdrop—it can be the main character
Designing urban spaces with water attractions in mind shouldn’t be perceived as extravagance. It’s an investment in quality of life, the city’s brand, and experiences that will remain in the memories of residents and tourists. A well-planned waterfront event can be a catalyst for revitalization, the activation of local businesses, and the strengthening of social ties.
If you want to create an unforgettable water event in your city, contact us.