The Bois de la Bâtie has completed its metamorphosis, much to the pleasure of the local population and the surrounding nature

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In addition to substantial work regenerating the trees, all the pathways in the Bois de la Bâtie have been renovated and the tarmac has been replaced by a permeable limestone surface. Three new belvederes with spectacular panoramic benches are the ideal place for people to admire the views over la Jonction and the Jura, the City and the jet d’eau as well as the districts of le PAV and le Salève.

The urban furnishings are brand new and the lighting is both more economical and more effective. The area devoted to children has been entirely redesigned and two buildings dedicated to environmental awareness activities have been renovated. The new refreshments bar, called SADARA, serves snacks and drinks in a picturesque setting.

“Under severe pressure due to pollution, climate change and numerous visitors, forests and wooded areas in cities, such as la Bâtie, require particular attention. These fresh oases, where people can meet and enjoy the leisure facilities, are more than ever essential to the well-being of the local population,” acknowledges Alfonso Gomez, Executive Councillor responsible for the environment. “The refreshments bar is a perfect addition to the site, a place where different groups of people from la Bâtie, families, sports addicts and dog owners can meet,” adds Marie Barbey-Chappuis, Executive Councillor responsible for the Department of Security and Sport. 

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Amenities restoring nature to its rightful place

In order to offer the wood the best possible protection, some 3,500m² of largely unused pathways have been returned to nature. 1,500 forest saplings, 750 shrubs and 78 trees have been planted. The forest saplings can primarily be found at forks in the paths with the aim of creating wooded borders conducive to the biodiversity of flora and fauna.

Cherry trees, lime trees, oaks and maples now embellish the recently renovated pathway, in particular around the three belvederes and the refreshments bar. Some 600 metres of barriers have been installed to mark more clearly the areas accessible to people out for a walk. Finally, the work to secure the cliffs along the River Arve and the redevelopment of the paths that have been closed for two years will be finished in the coming weeks. 

Ecological pathways

Approximately 7,500m² of tarmacked pathways have been replaced by clay-limestone surfaces which are more environmentally-friendly than tarmac and better-suited to people with reduced mobility. This material allows rainwater to flow away while combating flooding, reducing run-off pollution and feeding the water table with water filtered of its harmful particles. Furthermore, its clear colour reduces the accumulation of heat in the ground. The final hard sections are located on the slopes to avoid slipping; they will be accessible in August once the work securing the cliffs has been completed.

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Improved lighting, furnishings and buildings

Some 60 candelabras and a hundred miniature light fittings have been incorporated into the handrails. Urban furnishings (40 metres of concrete benches, 10 “Geneva” benches) have been installed while historical furnishings have been given a new lease of life, with 25 historical benches and 8 panoramic benches. Furthermore, 14 picnic tables have been provided.

“The rethinking of the public lighting contributes to strengthening the balance between nature and leisure,” says Frédérique Perler proudly, Mayor of Geneva responsible for the Department of Redevelopment, Construction and Mobility. “The lighting along the pathways guarantees the safety of the users while protecting the local fauna, lighting only the pathways in order to maintain the wooded backdrop and being dimmed from 8 p.m. onwards”. The open air pavilion and the park-keeper’s lodge have been redeveloped and renovated in order to house the children’s activities in the best possible conditions. Numerous transformations have been undertaken while preserving the appearance and building techniques of the existing buildings. Finally, a new building housing the public toilets and the machine room for the paddling pool has been built.

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La Bâtie for children

With la Bâtie for children, the Department of Social Cohesion and Solidarity will provide nurseries, schools and community halls with recreational services linked to nature – in particular through a partnership with the WWF – together with cultural events suitable for everyone.

“It is an ideal place, surrounded by nature, for developing imagination and creativity, fostering access to culture and making children more aware of environmental issues”, stresses Christina Kitsos. The Magistrate responsible for social cohesion and solidarity is delighted that families in the city, who are very attached to the Bois de la Bâtie, can enjoy a magical walk with a wonderful play area at its centre.