This Monday, the Gard departmental council inaugurated the opening to the public of the Meynier de Salinelles park, a haven of greenery just a stone’s throw from the Tour Magne!
Closed for 10 years, formerly the park of the École normale d’institutrice, the Parc Meynier de Salinelles is regaining its former splendor. Located at the end of the eponymous street, on the hill of the Tour Magne between the streets Rouget de Lisle and Ménard, the 7,400m2 of said park offer the people of Nîmes and Gard a real place of tranquility and greenery, an island of greenery and freshness that is not insignificant in view of the climate change in our region. The entrance to the Parc Meynier de Salinelles is through a monumental gate created by a Gard ironworker Molinelli (Best Craftsman in France).
The mayor of the city, Jean-Paul Fournier and several of his deputies were also present this Monday morning. © AV
Bowling green, ping-pong table…
Classified since December 2020, in a non-constructible natural zone, the place is intended to be a space that is both recreational and peaceful, family-friendly and friendly. The layout of the space was designed to facilitate intergenerational meetings. The work carried out has in fact allowed the installation of fun and sports equipment with a bowling green, a ping-pong table, wooden games and a motor skills apparatus for seniors. Shared gardening boxes have also been installed at the entrance. The former hunting lodge has also been converted into a lodge for the caretakers, agents of the Departmental Council. The latter are responsible for ensuring the reception, surveillance and daily maintenance of the place.
Among the amenities, a bowling green has been built. © AV
The repair of the paths and the creation of new paths will lead you to the old rehabilitated fountain cave, made of dressed stone, with its basin encircled by two sections of half-moon stairs. From this central alley, various secondary paths depart. An invitation to take a stroll, in short, among century-old trees. Because one of the wishes of the Departmental Council and the residents of the Gambetta Révolution neighborhood committee was to preserve the spirit of the park. Its historical and landscape identity is thus preserved.
A landscaped green theater
On the existing plant slope, taking advantage of the topography of the land, a green theater made up of wooden stands and a stage can now accommodate around a hundred spectators. A place that can be made available to schools, colleges, associations, or even theater companies.
A victory for the neighborhood committee
The park escaped a real estate project that ultimately never saw the light of day. Initially, this green space, owned by the Department since 1880, was to be sold to a real estate developer, a decision validated by the departmental councilors under the presidency of Denis Bouad.
However, members of the Gambetta-Révolution neighborhood committee and local residents contested this decision by bringing the matter before the administrative court and contesting the City PLU. Under the new presidency of Françoise Laurent-Perrigot, the Department decided to develop the park. “We chose to rehabilitate this place, and the work accomplished here is remarkable. I thank all those who contributed to the conservation of this space in the heart of our city, in particular the neighborhood committee. Many of the developments carried out today were also proposed by them. It’s a great success! », declared this Monday morning, the president of the departmental council, Françoise Laurent-Perrigot. For the rehabilitation of Meynier Park in Salinelles, the Departmental Council spent a total budget of 850,000 euros.
A real island of greenery, a green lung just a stone’s throw from the Tour Magne. © AV
Opening hours and days are adapted according to the season. From Tuesday to Sunday: – from April to September from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. From October to March, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Meynier park in Salinelles, a developed place, promoting intergenerational meetings. © AV
