EcoSport Park sets out to create a contemporary and ecologically sound 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 with a center for outdoor athletic and water sports activities.
The future park is part of an ecological corridor stretching east 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 area with the addition of bird watching stations and a center for environmental education form the heart of the natural park area. All intensive park uses are concentrated around the recreational lake, including an athletic stadium, a guesthouse for groups of athletes, a running track and sports attractions, cafes, an amphitheater, playgrounds, lawns, and picnic areas. A system of walking and bicycling paths weaves both areas together while allowing for differentiated access to the more quiet and active park areas.
Info
Client:
Ashkelon Municipality
Team:
Design Team: Barbara Aronson, Ittai Aronson, Ayellet Licht, Alon Schwartz, Pinchas Aronin, Ofri Bar, Daniel Shorer, Talk Badichi.
Water systems designer: HGM