Pont-à-Mousson. Rowing pool: the walk around the pool is over, the greenway is delayed.

This was one of the main arguments for creating the new rowing pool. As of this week, the promenade that runs around the site has been completed. "The idea was to create a sports facility, but also a peri-urban one," emphasizes the mayor, Henry Lemoine . "This promenade is what we wanted ."

Approximately 4 km long, the route only required a month of work. "We had already started the circuit last year for the sporting aspect," explains Clément Sosoé, the works delegate. A year later, more than half of the basin still needed to be completed. And if the work didn't last too long, it's because the promenade is made of limestone. "We had to excavate, lay geotextile, and replace the limestone on top," continues the mayor. "But we had to reinforce the sides to prevent the path from spreading out."

In April, the first work began on the path on the east side of the pool. Several operations had to be carried out on this section. First, the two hollows that serve as spillways had to be filled. PVC pipes had to be installed to maintain their role as a connection between the rowing pool and two other bodies of water in case of overflow. Then, the pipes were backfilled with pebbles to reach almost the same height as the path.

In a second phase, this road was reinforced to make it an emergency route. "It was necessary to allow emergency services to access the departure tower, at the far north of the basin, during demonstrations." But although this section already existed, the western side of the basin had to be created. Similarly, a balance threshold was maintained between the basin and the Moselle. Overall, the path runs alongside the basin. Around €230,000 was invested in the project.

But the work isn't over yet. "Along the promenade, we'll install benches and trash cans so you can enjoy the area. But we won't create a relaxation area. Trees will also be planted along the promenade."

While the circuit around the basin is now passable, the soft path between the basin and the Grand Bleu remains to be launched. Initially, the town hall wanted to complete it by the beginning of summer. "We're now targeting September," points out Henry Lemoine. "We still have a few points to determine, including a passage through private land; we're waiting for the owner's approval. If we don't get it, we'll modify the route slightly. Work should begin in July."

Another project is also expected to begin during the summer at the rowing pool: the construction of the buildings and the finish tower. After several postponements , "the start of work is scheduled for mid-June with delivery at the end of the year."