Villes de Versailles are inviting citizens of Versailles to join them for an afternoon of play at Square Blaise Pascal (72 Bd de la république, 78000 Versailles), on the 25th September. Square Blaise Pascal has recently been redeveloped as part of an EU funded research project called GoGreenRoutes, which explores how “nature-based solutions” can improve
the physical and mental wellbeing of urban residents.

The old square has been transformed to allow a fair balance between activities, audiences and generations. Today, the people of Versailles will be able to enjoy a large meadow, a basketball and football pitch, a small square with summer misting and two new play areas (0-6 years and over 6 years). The large central meadow is now planted with trees that will offer majestic flowers and foliage and that will bring freshness in the summer period. This relaxation area is punctuated with furniture such as benches, deckchairs, tables.

To celebrate this new public green space, a free event will be held on 25th September at 15.30 - 17.30. The event will be co-hosted by Villes de Versailles and A Playful City, a not-for-profit organisation who work to create more playful, healthy and inclusive places for all.

There will be lots of activities for young and old to try, including traditional games from countries across Europe and a nature scavenger hunt. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn more about the GoGreenRoutes project in Versailles, and the 5 other European cities it has worked in.

Everyone is welcome to attend, the event hopes to bring together citizens of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate nature in the city and find joy in play and movement.

To find out more about the event, visit https://bit.ly/venezjouerenville

About NBS Nature-based solutions are actions inspired and supported by nature that simultaneously address societal challenges, provide environmental, social and economic benefits and help build resilience. See here the European Commission's definition of nature-based solutions.They are increasingly being promoted and implemented in cities across Europe and the rest of the world, to improve the urban environment in lots of different ways.

GoGreenRoutes’ unique approach shifts the traditional focus of nature-based solutions towards its co-benefits for biological, psychological, social and environmental health (360-Health). The aim is to investigate positive effects of green spaces on reduced stress, mental resilience and social behaviour.

About GoGreenRoutes
The GoGreenRoutes project brings together 6 European cities - Umea (Sweden), Lahti (Finland), Tallinn (Estonia), Limerick (Ireland), Burgas (Bulgaria) along with Versailles. Each city has developed their own NBS, including green corridors, linear parks, pocket parks and shared walkways to improve public green spaces for citizens. By making more public space available in cities, people can move around more actively and enjoy these spaces, while at the same time restoring ecologically valuable spaces.