be'er-sheva park newest addition of ongoing urban revitalization effort

be’er-sheva park newest addition of ongoing urban revitalization effort
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the city of be-er-sheva, israel’s fourth largest metropolis, is currently taking major steps towards improving its public and open spaces. the city’s most recent addition, is the ‘lillian and larry goodman city park’. the project, led by landscape architects asif barman and noa barot. the goal of the park is revitalize the ‘feeling’ of the sprawl, attempting to create attractive common areas and encouraging residents to come out and play.

kids play on the back of the structure 

inviting open-air expanses contribute directly to the strengthening of the community and neighborhoods, and give people a needed place to linger and rest, socialize and relax in the sunshine. in biblical times, be’er-sheva was labeled as a true oasis in the desert. through utilization of the location’s sweeping landscape and water, the park brings a rich, dynamic beach-like experience into the heart of the city. people are able to enjoy a wide variety of activities such as: playing, relaxing, strolling, gathering, or whatever else they can come up with. 

the structure gets its shape from water-eroded caves that travelers used to rest in

the site is just under two-acres in a centrally-located space next to rager boulevard, one of the most connected thoroughfares. a majority of be’er-sheva’s major institutions are also set along the route, including: ben-gurion university of the negev, the soroka medical center, the rubin music conservatory, the center for the performing arts, city hall, and more. in addition, urban planners have planned a series of high-rises for a total of 1,200 residential units, as well as a rapid-transit lane with a major stop placed at the park. 

people lay in the sun in be’er-sheva’s city park 

the park itself is designed around three-conceptual tiers representing water, desert, and vegetation. a thin, shallow pool of water constantly moves above a concrete undersurface. 130 water jets cool the air and dance to a choreographed pattern. as visitors walk along the road, the jets catch their attention. at night, colored lights radiate from the base of the jets providing a fun show that lets people know the park is still open. 

enjoying the water jets 

the second tier, is the dry strip of desert that functions as the main sitting and relaxing area. the curved, hollow shape is a direct nod to the desert travelers that rested in the negev’s wadis in miniature caves formed by water erosion. behind the structure, is a planted green area that offers shaded areas to cool down. hills gently sculpt the land and is considered the most integral facet of the park. since its completion the park has been widely used by the community, and served as a major precursor to upcoming projects and initiatives. 

children play along the strip 

water jets give people a quick option to cool off in the heat of day 

a child plays in the water 

lights come on in the early evening 

illuminated water show

park at night and daytime

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