Château des Mères Park in Lyon Reopens Partially After Major Renovation
Lyon, May 20, 2026 – The Château des Mères Park, a long-abandoned site in Lyon’s 7th arrondissement, has begun its transformation with a partial reopening to the public. Since May 11, 2026, residents have gained access to over 9,000 square meters of green space within the Cité Jardin district, an area previously underserved by nature.
This initial opening is part of a broader urban requalification project spearheaded by the municipality, aiming to create a “more pleasant, greener, and more resilient living environment” in this southern Lyon neighborhood.
13,000 m² of Green Space in Gerland
With this first phase, locals are already experiencing the envisioned future uses for the Château des Mères Park. The project includes an extension of 4,000 square meters reaching to Rue de Gerland, ultimately expanding the park to 13,000 square meters.
Several developments have been implemented to balance public access with biodiversity protection. A circular path has been laid around the park, with intentionally simple markings to maintain visibility of the classified wooded areas from the outside. Picnic tables with minimalist designs have also been installed to enhance visitor comfort without altering the site’s natural integrity. These tables are also accessible to people with reduced mobility.
An Integrated Project for the Cité Jardin Transformation
The park’s opening is just one step in a larger initiative for the Cité Jardin. The municipality also plans to renovate housing, create new public spaces, and establish future health centers and other administrative services.
Fanny Dubot, Mayor of the 7th arrondissement, expressed her delight, stating, “We are thrilled to give this park back to the residents of Cité Jardin. This was a strong demand from our consultations!” Lyon Mayor Grégory Doucet also referred to this as a “new stage” in the transformation of this historic district.
Upcoming Works Planned Until 2030
The City of Lyon has committed to an extensive consultation phase with residents over the next two years to gather ideas for future park amenities. Potential additions include a dog park, children’s play areas, and sports facilities, though many possibilities are still being considered. Mayor Doucet emphasized, “We are not just building the project for the residents, but with the residents.”
The timeline includes the launch of project management studies in the third quarter of 2026, with a first phase of construction in 2028 and a second phase focusing on “the Arena” in 2030. The total estimated cost for the operation is 3 million euros.
The increase in green spaces and the revitalization of the Cité Jardin are expected to significantly improve the quality of life for residents, fostering a stronger sense of community and providing essential recreational opportunities. The project underscores Lyon’s commitment to sustainable urban development and citizen engagement.
The partial reopening of the Château des Mères Park is a tangible step towards fulfilling the city’s vision for a greener, more accessible, and community-oriented urban landscape in the 7th arrondissement.
Source: actu.fr
