The thirty-nine forests of Ile-de-France have been accessible again since Monday, May 11, bringing joy to walkers and ... the battle of elected officials for the reopening of other green spaces. When the mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo hopes for that of the Parisian parks, Valérie Pécresse requests authorization to open the twelve leisure islands in the Ile-de-France region.
In a letter addressed to the Minister of the Interior Christophe Castaner, Thursday, May 14, the president (Libres!) Of the Ile-de-France region asked for the "fastest possible" accessibility of these spaces, insisting on their " undeniable social role ”. Outdoor places which, according to her, lend themselves as well as forests to the respect of sanitary conditions.
Each year, these green islands welcome more than 4 million visitors on 3000 hectares of regional property. "Many people, from disadvantaged neighborhoods, do not have the opportunity to go on vacation outside of Ile-de-France", insists Valérie Pécresse. Among these leisure centers, those of Buthiers in Seine-et-Marne, of Port aux Cerises in Essonne, of the Boucles de Seine in the Yvelines or even Cergy-Pontoise in the Val-d'Oise know each season an important frequentation.
Faced with the scarcity of leisure activities authorized in the context of deconfinement, Valérie Pécresse believes that Ile-de-France residents rely on access to the leisure islands. "The restrictions on the opening of swimming pools, the closure of theme parks and shows, as well as the limitation of travel outside the national territory, increase their expectations with regard to these natural spaces", she assures.
Individual sport and walking activities
After two months of confinement linked to the Covid-19 epidemic, the French want to get some fresh air. The president of the region stresses that leisure islands often constitute "the only access to a natural space" for many families confined to apartments.
In addition, she adds that these outdoor places easily adapt to compliance with the health rules imposed against the coronavirus. "Ile-de-France residents would not understand that transport, schools, and forests are once again accessible and that, at the same time, spaces where it is easier to respect barrier gestures and social distancing remain closed. "
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Funds granted since 2016 by the region for security would guarantee a reception adapted to the situation. However, only individual sport and walking activities would be authorized in order to avoid any health risk.
Finally, Valérie Pécresse warns of the risk of "wild" visits, if these sites are kept closed. “A prolonged closure would lead to degradations, or even accidents unnecessarily mobilizing the police. »Intrusions already noted on some islands.
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