What if the schoolyard held the seeds of the public space of tomorrow? Traveling around the department, we say to ourselves that maybe yes. Here and there, around the lime trees which remind us of the passing of time, a new organization of space is taking shape.
In Blois, a number of schools have already been renovated, others will be. And redesigned courtyards, now waterproofed. The small town of Billy also took the plunge after renovating the school. “Initially, our objective was to redo the school playground whose surface was really damaged”explains Nicolas Garnier, the mayor.
To imagine another configuration, the small town approached the CAUE but also the water center of the departmental council. “We set up a project”, continues the mayor who thanks to subsidies was able to finance it to the tune of almost 80%. In the end, everything was redesigned, including the installation of deciduous trees for more light in winter and shade on sunny, hot days.
“A sign that the planet is giving back to us”
An ecological purpose? Initially, no. It is first and foremost an economic opportunity, recognizes the mayor, who is doing everything possible to seize it as soon as possible. But here and there, in the small town, projects were born, “in an ecological spirit” : 100% LED public lighting, collective heating, greening of public spaces, etc.
Today, in the schoolyard, “it grows slowly”. “We even saw morels” in green spaces. “A sign that the planet is giving back to us”dares to hope for the city councilor.
Planned disappearance of the coating
At the Jacques-Prévert school in Veuzain-sur-Loire, we are not there yet. But the three models designed by the Students in the CM2 class attest to the expectations. Students were involved from the start, like teachers, agents, parents, elected officials. With the support of the CAUE and the CDPNE (1), as part of a call for projects which is part of the Small Towns of Tomorrow system. “And it was included in the profession of faith in 2020”specifies Philippe Bellamy, deputy.
Veuzain-sur-Loire has acquired a small plot of land which, transformed into a garden, welcomes children during their lunch break.
© Photo NR, Vanina Le Gall
The immense courtyard of the school for 180 children will therefore be transformed. Greatly. By respecting environmental standards (from water recovery to the creation of shade), also taking into account “urban heat index”continues Marie Clément, elected in charge of the childhood sector who insists on “accompaniment” provided by the partners.
Launched at the start of the 2022 school year, the subsidized project should be completed in the fall of 2025 (with plantings) taking into account trade-offs. “Developing a schoolyard is long-term and a big investment for the future”, continue the elected officials. Recently, the town acquired a small plot of land adjoining the courtyard, transformed into a garden used during lunchtime breaks. A valley should also see the light of day. A mound field and a space intended to host outdoor classes could be added. Another way to educate.
(1) Departmental committee for the protection of nature and the environment.
