Greening the courtyard of the Jean-Zay school in Montpellier: “We benefit from it every day”

Plants and wooden features have covered the bitumen. – Cécile Marson

Accompanied by the municipal team and parents, the children of the Jean-Zay school inaugurated their new playground this Friday, April 5. The before and after is striking: vegetation and wooden furniture have replaced the asphalt in the courtyard of this elementary school in Pompignane.

"During recess, the quietest children had difficulty having a living space in the playground". Fanny Dombre-Coste, first assistant, in charge of education, sets out its desire "to improve the learning conditions of children".&nbsp ;The assistant underlines the importance of "time spent outside, in the courtyard", in the child development. The goal is to make their imagination work more, "so that they can climb on objects".

A fresco adorns the playground.

A specific area for ball games has been demarcated. Bordered by a fresco, it allows those who feel the need to let off steam without disturbing their comrades. According to Fanny Dombre-Coste, the directors of the twelve schools which benefited from the greening of their courtyard all recognized its impact on the general atmosphere of the school: "Learning takes place in better conditions".

A consultation with the children

Accompanied by elected officials, members of the educational team and children, the mayor of Montpellier Michaël Delafosse cuts the ribbon.

The project was worked on with the students, "via the council of delegates". They notably chose the species of trees and plants. In his inauguration speech, Mayor Michaël Delafosse allowed himself a plant metaphor’ nbsp;: "Here we cultivate children, we help them grow". He recognizes " the involvement of parents. Perrine Hamidi, mother of a CE1 student and parent delegate, is delighted: "It feels good to highlight this school in a positive way, she has need". The establishment, located in one of the ten priority districts of the city, benefits from special facilities.

Islets of freshness in the middle of the city

The work to dewaterproof and revegetate the school yard was carried out during the summer of 2022. The planting of trees and plant beds will be carried out during the summer of 2022. adds the creation of tailor-made furniture: cabins and educational gardens in containers in particular. Of the twelve Montpellier courtyards planted with plants since 2021, "it’is one of the prettiest", confides a member of the ;rsquo;mayor’s team. The school director is delighted: "We enjoy it every day".  Temperatures are "expected to decrease in summer" thanks to revegetation, explains Perrine Hamidi. This approach to greening schoolyards is supposed to improve the living environment of children, while lowering the temperature felt. Similar greening projects are also planned this year in five schools in the town.