Water squares

Rotterdam's Benthemplein Square. Basketball court used for water management in the city (fills up in case of risk of flooding).

Playground used for water management in the city: it fills up when there is a risk of flooding and the water is pumped into the river to be evacuated. Rotterdam

A waterplein (water square) is a landscape structure designed to flood and provide temporary detention of surface stormwater in an highly urbanized context.

They are similar in function to a concrete or paved dry pond.

They have been designed and constructed in several large cities of the Netherlands including:

• Rotterdam - Benthemplein
• Tiel - Tiel 'snake' water square

See also

https://www.rainproof.nl/toolbox/maatregelen/waterpleinen

The temporary storage of stormwater to control discharge rates, and allow for sedimentation.