Ra'anana Park[1] is a public park spanning 200 acres, serving as the grand and central park of the city of Raanana. Nestled at the western edge of Ahuza Street, on the western border of the city, the park adjoins Kfar Batya and the 'Lev Hapark' neighborhood to the north. To the south and west, it borders the fields between Raanana and Herzliya. The park is enclosed from all sides, with entrance facilitated through five gates—two on its eastern side and

three on its western side near the lake. Inaugurated in 1995, the park has undergone various upgrades and expansions since its establishment.

Structure edit

In the heart of the park lies a triangular-shaped lake, reminiscent of the emblem that represents the city. Spanning the lake is a bridge, inviting visitors to stroll across its tranquil waters. The lake is adorned with two fountains, and waterfowl gracefully navigate its expanse. In the northwestern part of the park, an amphitheater hosts various cultural performances featuring artists from both Israel and abroad. Among the noteworthy acts that have graced the stage are Castreets Boys, Avance, Alice Cooper, Lauren Hill, Tori Amos, Chick Corea, Ian Anderson, Zigi Marley, The Cranberries, and the Pet Shop Boys.[2]

As part of the park, the 'Friends Park' project operates, constructed through generous donations from the Shapira family. This project includes facilities designed to accommodate children with accessibility challenges, fostering inclusivity within the park. Additionally, joint activities are organized for children from the Shapira family's center and other youngsters from across the city.

The park also features a café-restaurant, an art gallery, walking and biking trails, sports fields, an animal corner, playgrounds for children, sculptures, a rose garden, a garden dedicated to the seven species, an herb garden, and expansive grassy areas. At a high point in the park, the Birdwatch offers panoramic views, allowing observers to gaze towards the lake and the southern-western expanses of the park.

In the past, non-residents were required to pay an entrance fee to the park on Saturdays. However, a legal challenge filed by the Adam, Nature, and Law Association led to its dismissal. Consequently, the Municipalities Law was enacted, stipulating that entrance fees should not be charged, except in exceptional cases to be determined by the Minister of the Interior, with the approval of the Interior and Environment Committee, for the sake of the park's preservation.

After the committee rejected the proposed regulations put forth by the Minister of the Interior, claiming they contradicted an amendment to the law, the collection of entrance fees to public parks across the country, including Raanana Park, was effectively prohibited. Surrounding the park, numerous free parking spaces are available for residents of Raanana, while non-residents may utilize paid parking facilities.

Gallery edit

References edit

  1. ^ eyal (2023-04-11). "שימו לב: אלו המתקנים שיוחלפו בפארק רעננה, ואלו המתחמים שייסגרו לשלושה חודשים". צומת השרון רעננה (in Hebrew). Retrieved 2024-02-21.
  2. ^ "חדש בפארק רעננה: מתחם כושר מתקדם ומתקני משחק ייחודיים". mynetraanana (in Hebrew). 2023-08-30. Retrieved 2024-02-21.

32°11′14″N 34°50′56″E / 32.18722°N 34.84889°E / 32.18722; 34.84889