The street committee Den Berg has submitted a proposal for the naming of the slow road, located between Koninginlaan and Koningin Fabiolapark. The new name will be Pier la Flinkawegel.
The name Pier la Flinka refers to the giant that originated in 1945 as the mascot of the festival committee Den Berg. This committee unites residents of Dokter Dhaenenslaan, Koninginlaan, and Pater Damiaanstraat. The giant was designed in the likeness of Buffalo Bill, who visited Ghent in the late 19th century with his famous Wild Westshows. Pier la Flinka was first born in 1945, the year of liberation in Merelbeke.
The original giant was lost. The rebirth of Pier is an idea by Erwin Ketels. The new giant was crafted by artist Roger Van Steenberghe, with support from heritage cell De Viersprong and the municipality of Merelbeke. In 2015, the new giant was festively inaugurated during the Den Berg festivities. Currently, the giant is displayed in the church of Munte.
The naming was approved by the municipal council. Soon, the pathway will be equipped with slow-road name signs.
