Démazis Park: The Rebirth of a Forgotten Space
Ah, Démazis Park! Once a place where one might think twice before sitting down, now it’s looking less like a scene from a horror film and more like a vibrant community hub. In Angers, the city officials recently had the grand opening on October 24th, and honestly, if the mayor didn’t spill the beans about the 150 residents who tuned in to the planning meetings, I’d have thought it was just another politician talking to himself.
“From March to October 2022, reflection on this project was launched with 150 residents—more than 90 attended the meetings,” proclaimed Mayor Christophe Béchu. Reflection? Sounds remarkably poetic! But let’s be honest, this was more of a long, hard look in the mirror after realizing the landscape had turned into a dreaded “no-go zone” for families!
Interestingly, Frédéric Moreau, the mastermind of project management, chimed in to explain the park’s rebirth. “Since the sale of the Démazis manor, there was no longer direct access to the college,” he said, before outlining how they knocked down walls—figuratively and literally—to link the college to the park, creating that all-important ‘shortcut’ for late students staggering in at the sound of the bell!
Now, for those who thought the previous situation might have been a *bit* isolating, fear not! The park is now filled with street furniture tucked into verdant alcoves—because nothing says “come hang out” like a bench shrouded in greenery! And let’s not forget the play area, complete with three charming wooden modules. Who knew splinters could be so inviting?
Let’s Talk Biodiversity!
The officials are downright passionate about biodiversity. “The park was crossed, but little used,” Frédéric lamented. Not anymore! Now they’ve planted 280 m² of perennial beds and shrubs and tossed in a couple of trees for good measure. It’s basically a botanical buffet over there! Even the pond, still under consideration, is being monitored. Who knew balance and cleanliness could have such complex relationships?
And just when you thought it couldn’t get any more high-tech—bam! They’ve installed intelligent sensing lighting. Yes, that’s right! Lights that know when you’re nearby. So, if you’ve ever wanted your surroundings to comply with your presence, look no further than Angers. It’s only a tad creepy, but hey, at least it’s not pitch black!
Show Me the Money!
Now, let’s get down to the brass tacks—this revitalization cost a whopping €246,000, and they decided to splash an additional €26,000 on that snazzy new lighting system. That’s right, folks! A park where you can see (and be seen) costs money. Who would’ve believed it? Well, I suppose you get what you pay for, and lucky for Angers, they may just have created a little paradise!
In conclusion, as Démazis Park opens its freshly manicured arms to the community, it’s a promising reminder that even neglected spaces can find new life with a touch of creativity, a heap of resident feedback, and a little cash flow. Cheers to you, Angers! Here’s to hoping the park remains well loved and not turned back into a frightful ghost town.
The recent renovations at Démazis Park, situated in the proximity of the Lac-de-Maine neighborhood center, Jean-Monnet college, and the Grand Maine shopping center in Angers (Maine-et-Loire), were officially inaugurated on Thursday, October 24. This occasion provided Mayor Christophe Béchu with the opportunity to highlight that “from March to October 2022, a comprehensive reflection on this project was initiated, engaging 150 residents, with over 90 actively participating in the meetings.” Among the key principles that emerged was the necessity to enhance connectivity and circulation within the park.
“Since the sale of the Démazis manor, there was no longer direct access to the college,” explains Frédéric Moreau, the head of project management and oversight at the parks and gardens department. “To rectify this, we have created an opening in the wall along with a new pathway adjacent to the historical house, seamlessly integrated within the park. Additionally, we upgraded the main path’s surface with a draining material that ensures cleanliness and accessibility.”
The residents expressed a desire for the park to evolve from its previous underutilization; “the park was crossed, but little used,” notes Moreau. There was a clear community demand for enhancing recreational opportunities while preserving a “family-friendly, tranquil atmosphere.”
The transformed park now features inviting street furniture positioned within verdant alcoves, a dedicated play area comprising three wooden structures, and a scenic viewing area. Important infrastructural improvements include the installation of a fire hydrant and advanced intelligent sensing lighting systems.
To enhance biodiversity efforts, the city planned to plant 280 m² of perennial beds and shrubs by the end of 2023, alongside the introduction of 17 new trees. The existing pond is currently under assessment to ensure its ecological balance and cleanliness, as specified by the mayor.
“The park became accessible starting in early spring. We approached the improvements in phases, ensuring continuous public access throughout the project,” Frédéric Moreau clarifies.
These extensive enhancements were carried out at a cost of €246,000, with an additional €26,000 allocated for the new lighting systems.