Initially focused on environmental preservation, the meeting ultimately transformed into a simple, large outdoor game, featuring giant puzzles, water games, and of course, finger painting. “The idea of raising awareness was good, but the children are too young to stay interested in this topic for long. So, we decided to prioritize entertainment; especially since the weather is nice and it’s a chance for the kids to enjoy one last holiday before going back to school,” explains Jacques Frizet, coordinator of the leisure centers.
Wandering among the young participants, Jacques Peyrat takes the opportunity to do a brief review of the park and to talk to his constituents about the latest rumors. In short, it still feels much like the holidays. Around a bush, a little girl calls out to the Mayor: “Are you the boss of the city?” He nods and exchanges a few words with her. After some group photos with the children and then with the facilitators, the first elected official addresses the latter: “Entertain me and amuse me!” Ultimately, it is Mr. Peyrat who will keep up the conversation with a quick reminder about the upcoming municipal elections. That marks the end of the walk for the municipal officials; the children, meanwhile, will continue playing until snack time, blissfully unaware of their future voting slips.
Other inter-center meetings had been initially planned, but the July heatwave necessitated their cancellation. Next year, a pétanque tournament is expected to take place at the beginning of summer: a less physically demanding sport and therefore less dangerous in the heat. Until then, a good return to school to all the kids from the Castel des Deux Rois park.
