A new public park, Le Jard, officially opened in Épernay, France on February 12th, transforming a former parking lot into a two-hectare green space. The park, built on the site of the Esplanade Charles de Gaulle after a year and a half of construction, is already attracting residents despite recent rainy weather, according to local reports.
The project, which began in the summer of 2022, aims to revitalize a central area of the city previously dominated by automobiles, reclaiming space that once housed the historic Jardin du Jard. The park features wide pedestrian walkways, a large wooden hall, and play areas designed for children of various ages. One mother noted her children particularly enjoy a pumpkin-shaped slide, while older students from the nearby Jean-Monnet and Saint-Victor schools are utilizing giant Mikado sets.
While the park has been well-received, some visitors have expressed concerns about unfinished areas. Specifically, a plot of land adjacent to the sub-prefecture, designated for a future hotel construction, and the former location of a captive balloon remain undeveloped. The municipality has stated it is currently considering future uses for the balloon’s former site.
The creation of Le Jard represents a significant shift in the use of the Esplanade Charles de Gaulle, converting it from a parking area into a public park. The park’s design incorporates indigenous plant life, including Verzy false acacia trees and a calcicole woodland area, intended to create a diverse and natural environment. The project was envisioned as a way to create a “federating and emblematic” public space in the heart of Épernay, according to project documentation.
The park’s opening follows several years of planning and seventeen months of construction work. While vegetation is still establishing itself, full bloom is expected in the spring. The park is intended to offer a “freshness” and “green lung” to the city center, providing a space for recreation and community gathering.
