Amidst the vibrant tapestry of Casablanca lies a hidden gem, the Arab League Park. Originally designed in 1913 by French architect Albert Laprade under Henri Prost’s guidance, the Arab League Park, then known as Parc Lyautey, stands as a testament to a fascinating history. The park, spanning 30 acres, is nestled west of Hassan II Boulevard, east of Roudani Boulevard and Algiers Street, and southeast of the Church of the Sacred Heart. Moulay Youssef Boulevard gracefully bisects this urban oasis.
Parc Lyautey was named after Hubert Lyautey, the first French résident général in Morocco. He envisioned a space that blended European design with Moroccan heritage. As a tribute to Casablanca’s past, Lyautey incorporated arches from the old Portuguese prison, the Prison of Anfa. These historic relics, now adorned with climbing vines, create a picturesque pergola near Hassan II Boulevard, a poignant reminder of the city’s layered past.
In the mid-20th century, Parc Yasmina, an amusement park, sprung up along Moulay Youssef Boulevard within the park. It provided a burst of vibrant energy, filled with laughter and whirling rides. However, time took its toll. The amusement park gradually fell into disrepair, becoming a ghostly echo of its former glory. The park itself began to reflect this decline.
By 2016, the Arab League Park was in dire need of rejuvenation. A significant investment of 100 million Moroccan dirhams was allocated for its restoration. The project aimed to revitalize the park’s infrastructure, including its paths, plantings, and lighting. This ambitious undertaking sought to restore the park to its former grandeur while also adding modern amenities. Despite the anticipated reopening date of September 2018, the park remained closed as of 2019, still undergoing these extensive renovations. Imagine strolling along these revitalized paths, surrounded by lush greenery, with the echoes of laughter and history whispering through the trees. The Arab League Park promises to be a renewed haven, a place where the past and present intertwine amidst the vibrant heart of Casablanca.