Revitalizing Besançon: A Quest for a Swimmable River and Community Empowerment
In a daring move on September 19, 2024, residents of Besançon took a plunge into the Doubs River, defying the prohibition on swimming. This act aimed to spark a conversation about potentially making the river swimmable, akin to the situation in Dole, Jura. Could Besançon set its sights on achieving this by 2025?
As the day wound down on that Thursday in September, while some locals relaxed at a bar terrace or engaged in sports activities, others opted for a 'critical swim' in the Doubs. Despite the current ban on swimming, a group of residents envisioned a lifestyle akin to the Swiss, who refresh themselves in rivers like the Aare in Bern, Rhine in Basel, or Lake Geneva after a long day or during hot spells.
The objective behind this act was to 'recreate a culture of swimming in Besançon to provide free and communal access to relaxation and coolness,' as stated in the residents' press release. This movement raises questions about the feasibility of making the river swimmable. Some argue that it's a matter of surveillance and lack of political responsibility rather than an impossible mission.
The discourse surrounding this initiative prompts reflections on urban goals and the creation of bathing spots within the city. Residents like Romain and Jérémy question the significance of not being able to swim in the Doubs, pondering the kind of societal vision they aspire to achieve. Drawing parallels with Dole, where river swimming is permitted with regular water quality checks, they advocate for similar measures in Besançon. Will this citizen-led initiative pave the way for a swimmable Doubs by the summer of 2025?
Empowering Communities through Municipal Neighborhood Houses
Alongside the river revitalization efforts, municipal neighborhood houses in Besançon have also resumed their activities, playing pivotal roles as social actors within the community. Collaborating closely with the city and its social services, these establishments implement a broad social, educational, and cultural policy within their respective territories. Serving as hubs for socialization, empowerment, combating isolation, and fostering social cohesion, these structures are vital for promoting communal well-being and individual growth.
The array of activities offered by these neighborhood houses caters to diverse interests and needs, ranging from leisure pursuits to parental support, educational assistance, and artistic expression. Post-COVID, a new approach involves extending activities beyond the confines of these structures, reaching out to neglected areas and engaging with the public space. This inclusive strategy aims to create resource hubs for local populations, fostering collaborations with existing associations and sports entities.
In the upcoming season, the Montrapon/Fontaine Ecu neighborhood house will introduce a youth space, 'Le Tremplin,' catering to adolescents, students, and young adults, with a specific focus on at-risk youth aged 12 and above. This initiative seeks to provide a welcoming environment for social interaction, offering a listening ear and support from social workers to address the challenges and concerns faced by young individuals. Will these efforts mark a significant step towards community empowerment and social cohesion in Besançon?
