Parks

Jerusalem Park is the largest metropolitan park in Israel and forms an open green ring surrounding the city. With a total area of approx. 15,000 dunams, the facility comprises four parks surrounding Jerusalem on three sites: Emek Refaim Park to the south, Emek Motza Park to the west, and Emek Arazim Park and Nahal Tzofim to the north.

The establishment of the park was a joint effort of the government, the Jerusalem Municipality, the JDA, KKL-JNF, and the Nature and Parks Authority. The park preserves the environmental and heritage values of the Jerusalem Hills and was developed with strict attention to the principles of sustainable development. The park includes planted forests and natural woodland, traditional agricultural terraces, orchards, small mountain springs, historical sites, and modern leisure corners. The bike path that crosses the park forms part of the Milton Ring bike path, which surrounds the city and has a total length of 42 km.

The park areas offer diverse opportunities for outings on foot and by bike, playground facilities, a sports area, and leisure areas in a natural setting.

The plan also includes cafés and an adventure sports area.

The availability and character of the green parks in Jerusalem has a significant impact on the residents’ quality of life. The JDA is promoting the establishment of metropolitan parks based on a planning approach that seeks to preserve the characteristic natural spaces in the western fringes of the city while creating opportunities for vacationing and leisure activities in nature.