Eglantyne-Jebb park

Eglantyne Jebb Park in Geneva is a neighbourhood green space in the Acacias district, between Les Vernets and Carouge. Until 2021 it was called Parc des Acacias. Its new name honours Eglantyne Jebb, the woman behind the first Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1924. It suits families, chess players and outdoor-workout fans rather than sightseers ticking off landmarks.

Where is the park and how do you find it?

The park lies in Acacias, south of central Geneva, on rue des Epinettes (1227). Les Vernets borders one side and Carouge the other. It is a rectangle ringed by apartment buildings. It is open every day, around the clock, and entry is free. Do not confuse it with the parks of Plainpalais, which are in a different part of the city.

Who was Eglantyne Jebb?

The City of Geneva renamed the former Parc des Acacias in March 2021 as part of its 100Elles project, which aims to give prominent women from the city's history a visible place in public space. Jebb (1876-1928) founded the International Save the Children Union in Geneva in January 1920, the root of today's Save the Children, and lived in the city until she died. The 1924 Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child grew out of her work.

What was here before the park?

The area stayed rural until the late 19th century, then turned industrial. The Motosacoche factory opened on rue du Grand-Bureau in 1903. Hydroxigene SA used the site until 1940, followed by the machine-tool maker Tarex. In the late 1970s residents pushed for green space, the canton rezoned the land, the city bought the plot, and the park opened in 1988.

What can you do here?

• Let children loose on the playground.
• Play chess at the stone tables. Pieces are available on site.
• Train on free outdoor fitness equipment (Proxisport and street workout).
• Picnic at the tables, and use the deckchairs in summer.
• Walk the shaded paths under mature trees and rest on the central lawn.
• Let a dog run in the fenced off-leash area.

Toilets are on site.

What are the rules?

Keep noise down out of respect for residents. Bicycles and other vehicles are not allowed. Dogs may not go on the lawns and must stay on a lead on the paths, apart from the fenced dog run.

When should you visit?

Warm days are best, when the deckchairs are out and the lawn and tree shade invite a long break. The park works well as a short stop while exploring Geneva or Carouge, especially with kids. If children's rights interest you, combine it with a walk through the international organisations quarter.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry free? Yes. The park is public and open 24 hours a day, every day.

Can I bring a bike? No. Bicycles and other vehicles are banned inside.

Is there a playground? Yes. The park also has chess tables, fitness equipment and picnic tables.

Can I bring my dog? Yes, but keep it on a lead on the paths and off the lawns. A fenced area is provided for off-leash play.