Was once a car park, now a haven. Welcome to Parc des Chaumettes. This park is a testament to urban renewal. It’s located at the entrance to Geneva University Hospitals. The Parc des Chaumettes has a fascinating history.
Back in 1985, this space was designated as a green zone. Before that, it was a parking lot. Imagine concrete and cars replaced by trees and playgrounds. The transformation began with traffic studies in 1999. The goal was to improve life in the Cluse-Roseraie district. Planners consulted with the local population. They aimed to create a central neighborhood public space.
Citec collaborated with architects Manzoni and Schmidig. Together they found solutions for calmer traffic flow in the area. They simulated the space’s current and future states. This involved microscopic dynamic simulations. They evaluated the future capacity of the space. They studied the effect of the new layout on traffic speeds. Alternative traffic routes were estimated. The team developed and programmed traffic light plans. Rue Sautter was upgraded. A section of boulevard de la Cluse was integrated into the park. It was made pedestrian-friendly.
Construction started in November 2005. The upper part of the Parc des Chaumettes opened in 2007. The entire park was completed in 2009. The total cost was twelve million francs. The Parc des Chaumettes connects the HUG to the Plaine de Plainpalais.
The term “chaumettes” describes a small sloping pasture in Romandy. Indeed, the Parc des Chaumettes slopes towards the Arve River. Today, the park features playgrounds and a medicinal garden. Tilleuls, Japanese sophoras, and cherry trees add to its beauty. You will notice that an alignment of small-leaved lime trees creates a border. It separates the traffic on rue du Lombard from the park’s pedestrian area. Japanese sophoras act as staggered curtains that define the space. Cherry trees add colorful spring blossoms. They are placed near the Arve. The Parc des Chaumettes offers a place for relaxation. It creates a green pocket in a dense urban area.
The Parc des Chaumettes won the “Flâneur d’Or” award in 2011. This award recognizes quality in pedestrian facilities. The park is triangular and offers a breath of fresh air. It lies between the HUG and the Cluse district. You will see children playing. Many people enjoy the terraces, the pond, lawns, and trees.
The park is open 24 hours a day. It has picnic tables and a refreshment stand that operates in summer. Remember to respect public peace. Bicycles are not allowed in the park. Dogs must be kept on leashes and are not allowed on the lawns.
The Parc des Chaumettes is more than just a park. It’s a symbol of how urban spaces can be transformed. It shows how a former car park can become a vibrant community space.