In recent months, following the never-ending war, we had to abandon some of our favorite routes in the north of the country. Instead, we are forced to be creative and look for trips close to the center. This constraint reveals to us charming pearls that are right under our noses.
One of them is the Nahal Raba Park (Concrete Stream) - the smallest tributary of the four main tributaries of the Yarkon River that links the ecosystems in Samaria with those on the coastal plain as part of an ecological corridor along the length of Israel. The source of the stream is in Samaria and from there it flows towards the southeast, crosses Rosh HaAyin as a central green lung of the area towards the west and flows into the Yarkon springs.
In the center of the stream, which is being rehabilitated by the Israel Land Authority (the Fund for the Preservation of open areas), there used to be concrete that had been dismantled.
Today, after a complex ecological restoration of the river bed and regulation of the banks so that they fit the water supply, the place has become an urban natural gem. On a walk along the promenade along the river you will enjoy a show of riverside vegetation and winged animals.
As part of the site's accessibility operation through the Israel Lands Authority, walking and bicycle paths with limited access, shaded rest areas, orchards, an observation deck and signage was placed at various points along the stream with information about the fauna, flora, history of Nahal Raba and the importance of preserving the open spaces.
What you'll find there: Lawns surrounding an artificial sounding lake, a floating bridge with an observation point for migrating birds, an accessible boardwalk and recreational and picnic areas.