Visionary behind the revamped park says he's amazed what he had always seen as an "eyesore" is now covered with tree sapplings, pergolas.
By SHARON UDASINRevamped Hiriya landfill 311(photo credit: Albatross Aerial Photography)
During the intermediate days of Succot, more than just garbage will be packing the soil of the Hiriya landfill – adults and children alike will be invited to partake in a variety of free educational and recreational activities during their vacation days from work and school.One of most prominent activities will be an interactive quiz led by the Dan Chamizer Riddle Group, which will be solved through a host of activities conducted by the Society for the Protection of Nature (SPNI), a partner with the park company.The Dan Region Association of Towns for Sanitation and Waste will also partner in the October 17-18 events, according to a release from the park.Click for full Jpost coverageAt the riddle’s end will be an “especially worthwhile” prize for the winner. In addition to the quiz, children can take part in astronomy and star observation, discover “life under a rock,” learn about the water found in the park area, participate in straw-basket weaving, and a vast array of other programs.
Meanwhile, each evening will be highlighted by a different central performance – one by the Green Circus and one by the Tararam kids band – with juggling stunts and rhythmic musical performances on recycled instruments.“The Succot events in Ariel Sharon Park are a direct continuation of efforts of the park company to provide accessibility to the place for the entire public,” said Esti Appelbaum Polani, chairwoman of Ariel Sharon Park company, in a statement.“During the intermediate days of Succot, thousands of families will be about to reach and discover the park and will enjoy an assortment of quality activities that we have arranged in partnership with the Dan Region Association of Towns for Sanitation and Waste and SPNI, where the program of activities reflect also the values of the park: cooperation, uniqueness, quality of life, sustainability and respect for man and the environment.”Pegged by the Ariel Sharon Park Company as an oasis “in the heart of the huge metropolitan area of Gush Dan,” the 8,000-dunam property is spread between south Tel Aviv, Holon and Ramat Gan – also touching the old city of Bnei Barak, the southern part of Menachem Begin Park and the Mikve Israel Agricultural School.This May featured the open of an initial 100-dunam portion of the park with a sprawling observation deck on the mountain’s peak, as well as walking and cycling paths bellows.
Dr. Martin Weyl, the visionary behind the entire campaign to revamp the park and the director of the Beracha Foundation – which gave the initial $8 million seed money for the park’s development – told The Jerusalem Post during a private tour before the May opening that he was amazed that what he had always seen as an “eyesore” was now covered with sapling trees and wooden pergolas for shade.During the two-day Succot celebrations at the dump, adults and children will also have the opportunity to participate in guided bicycle tours of the park at the top of every hour, a spokeswoman from the park told the Post on Monday.This event follows the end of two five-week courses in yoga and spinning that took place on the mountaintop during early mornings and evenings respectively – the second of which was particularly successful, she explained.“We think it’s important to offer the public quality activities that don’t cost a lot,” the spokeswoman said. “I suppose it’s like any event on Succot – but it’s on top of the garbage mountain.”For more information on how to register for the events, visit www.parksharon.co.il, or the park’s Facebook page.Tell us your storyHere at JPost we’re interested to hear which moments defined this past year for you personally, and how they will influence the year ahead. We want to hear about the changes that impacted your year, whether it be a decision you've made, a personal gain or loss, a family event or a community gathering. Tell us about your experience how it affected you and what you’ve gained from it in order to improve the next year. Please send in your stories in text, image or video (or any combination of the above mentioned), to lifestyle@jpost.com. The best story will win a two-night weekend stay at The Grand Court Hotel in Jerusalem. The winner will be chosen by a panel composed of Lifestyle Editor Yoni Cohen, Internet Desk Manager Elana Kirsh and Managing Editor Moshe Raphaely. Stories must be submitted by Wednesday, October 12, 2011. The winner will be announced the following week on Wednesday October 19. Selected entries will be published on JPost.com.
