Place de l’Arbonnoise

Hidden within Lille’s Vauban-Esquermes district lies the Place de l’Arbonnoise. This square, tucked away on Rue d’Isly, is more than just a playground. It’s a testament to community spirit and inclusive design. Place de l’Arbonnoise is cherished by locals. It offers a space for everyone, from children on swings to adults enjoying a game of pétanque. The heart of Place de l’Arbonnoise is its inclusive playground. This wasn’t a project handed down from city officials. It blossomed from the vision of four residents: Dominique Bataille, Maryvonne Savary, Joël Nis, and Benoit Flipo. They saw a need and championed it. In 2021, their dream came to life. The project involved enhancing accessibility to the square, relocating the pétanque court, and installing a specially designed roundabout. This roundabout is a symbol of inclusion. It allows children with reduced mobility to play alongside their friends. It even has a space to accommodate a wheelchair. Benoit Flipo, inspired by a trip to India, insisted that children of all abilities should play together, not separated by limitations. As a neighborhood council member, he presented the concept to his colleagues Bataille, Savary, and Nis. Together, they navigated meetings, technical documents, and collaborations with associations to bring their project to fruition. They submitted their proposal to the 2020 participatory budget as passionate residents, not bureaucrats. Their efforts were rewarded with a playground that embraces everyone. Place de l’Arbonnoise is more than a place; it’s a symbol of what community can achieve when it works together. It echoes the history of the Arbonnoise waterway, a vital part of Lille’s past. This once-flowing stream is now a place for play and connection, showing how history can transform into something new and vibrant.