Didn’t this vibrant space once echo with the rumble of traffic? Today we stroll through the Parc Jean-Baptiste Lebas, a green oasis in Lille. But let’s rewind to discover the story of Rue Jean-Baptiste Lebas.
The Rue Jean-Baptiste Lebas wasn’t always a park. It began as the Boulevard des Ecoles. This transformation occurred in 1948. Before that it was a bustling thoroughfare. Imagine horse-drawn carriages and early automobiles navigating this route.
Its origins trace back to 1865. This was during a period of significant expansion for Lille. The boulevard was initially named Boulevard d’Italie. It was created following the annexation of several communes to Lille in 1858. These included Moulins, Wazemmes, Esquermes, Fives and Saint-Maurice.
Rue Jean-Baptiste Lebas became a crucial artery. It was part of a historical route connecting the Grand Place to the Porte de Paris. This route extended towards Arras, Douai, Artois, Picardie and Paris.
The boulevard later became known as Boulevard des Ecoles. This name came from the presence of educational institutions. The college Jean-Macé was one. It was formerly a higher primary school for girls. Another was the Franklin higher primary school for boys.
In 1947 the boulevard was renamed Rue Jean-Baptiste Lebas. This was in honor of Jean-Baptiste Lebas. He was a former mayor of Roubaix.
For years Rue Jean-Baptiste Lebas consisted of a wide central carriageway. It had around four traffic lanes. These ran in line with the Porte de Paris and Boulevard Denis Papin. On either side were tree-lined central reservations with benches. There were also areas for playing boules. Flanking these were smaller side roads with two traffic lanes.
Until the 1960s Rue Jean-Baptiste Lebas was a pleasant space. Gradually it declined. The central reservations became informal parking lots.
Before its transformation into a park, Rue Jean-Baptiste Lebas served another purpose. It annually hosted the Braderie flea market. This event covered its entire surface.
Then, between 2004 and 2006, a transformation took place. The boulevard was converted into the Parc Jean-Baptiste Lebas. The aim was to introduce green spaces and play areas to the area.
The park features distinctive red gates. These were designed by Dutch landscape architects from West 8. These gates offer integrated seating facing both the park’s interior and exterior.
Today the Rue Jean-Baptiste Lebas is a beautiful park. It spans 3.6 hectares. The park provides a green lung for the city. It offers a place for relaxation and recreation. It stands as a testament to Lille’s commitment to urban improvement.