Ariel Sharon Park: From Landfill to Lush Oasis Near Tel Aviv
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
Ariel Sharon Park, formerly the Hiriya landfill near Tel Aviv, has been transformed into a 800-hectare ecological space. The park, built on millions of tons of waste, now features green landscapes, panoramic views, and sustainable energy initiatives. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, picnic areas, and an ecological pond, with free entry but paid parking. The park serves as a model for land reclamation and waste management.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Ariel Sharon Park, a former landfill near Tel Aviv, is now an 800-hectare ecological space.
- The park was built on Israel's largest landfill, which operated until 1998.
- It features green landscapes, panoramic views, and sustainable energy systems.
- Entry to the park is free, but parking incurs a fee.
- The transformation project was designed by landscape architect Peter Latz.
- The park is accessible to all visitors, including those with disabilities and pets.
Ariel Sharon Park, formerly known as Hiriya Park, offers a unique ecological experience near Tel Aviv, transformed from Israel's largest landfill into a sprawling green space. The park, located a half-hour drive from Holon, is situated on a former garbage mountain that served Tel Aviv and surrounding cities from Israel's early years until 1998. Over decades, this landfill accumulated approximately 16 million cubic meters of waste, forming a 70-meter high mound covering 45 hectares, posing significant environmental threats including methane gas emissions and groundwater contamination.
The transformation project, designed by German landscape architect Peter Latz, involved isolating the waste with protective layers and covering it with a fertile soil layer. Millions of cubic meters of recycled construction waste were used to stabilize the slopes. The park now features vast green lawns, diverse flora including various palm and olive trees, and blooming flowers. Key attractions include an ecological pond with water lilies, picnic areas with sheltered tents, and a covered pavilion.
A paved path leads to a hilltop offering 360-degree panoramic views of the Judean Mountains to the east and the Gush Dan metropolitan area, with its skyscrapers, to the west. An olive grove on the way up features trees planted by Israeli politicians and public figures, including one dedicated to Stanley Fischer, former Governor of the Bank of Israel, and others by Benjamin Netanyahu, Reuven Rivlin, and Ze'ev Elkin. The park also incorporates ecological features like gas vents collecting methane from decomposing waste for electricity generation, demonstrating a sustainable approach to waste management.
Further exploration reveals an amphitheater, a large stage for concerts, and a sculpture made from recycled waste, highlighting the park's environmental message. The Ayalon and Shapirim rivers, which flow through the park and are dry in summer, are managed to prevent flooding during the rainy season. The park is home to approximately 200 bird species and offers walking and cycling trails. The adjacent "Luna Junk" complex hosts family eco-festivals and exhibitions.
Entry to Ariel Sharon Park is free, but parking costs 24 shekels on weekdays and 30 shekels on Fridays and Saturdays. The park is accessible daily from 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM, with last entry to the parking lot and summit at 7:00 PM on weekdays and Saturdays, and until 4:00 PM on Fridays. The park is suitable for all visitors, including those with dogs on leashes. A cafeteria operates on weekdays and Fridays, and the visitor center screens a film about the Hiriya project.