Eco Park, Ashkelon

Eco Park is designed as a contemporary and ecological city park which preserves the natural resources and ecosystems of the site while linking it to the city’s vision of creating an active urban park that serves as a center for sports and recreation.

The park is part of an ecological corridor stretching from east to west, which comprises sand dunes to the south and an extensive flood basin and seasonal winter pond to the north. The winter pond is an essential part of the natural drainage system of the southern part of the city, which suffers from severe flooding problems. The project applies landscape and engineering solutions to channel the runoff water into both bodies of water.

The park’s plan is based on the relationship between two bodies of water – the natural winter pond and a new recreational lake. The winter pond is the heart of the natural park area. Observation pergolas, bird watching stations, and outdoor classrooms in nature are planned for construction beside the pond.  The recreational lake contains two islands and is surrounded by a rich variety of water plants. All intensive park uses are concentrated around the recreational lake, including a center for boat rental, playgrounds, lawns, picnic areas, geodesic domes that serve as classrooms, and a small amphitheater.  A system of walking and bicycling paths weaves both areas together while allowing for differentiated access to the more quiet and active park areas.