Ariel Sharon Park – Kofer Stream

Kofer Stream from the Agricultural Channel to Urban stream

Kofer Stream is one of Ayalon River’s estuaries, originating in Ramat Gan. It passes through the northern border of the park in a canal adjacent to the Yedidya neighborhood and was a source of flooding annually. As part of re-engineering considerations to address flooding, we introduced a landscape development incorporating gardens that allow various activities for diverse audiences first and foremost for the residents of the adjacent neighborhood. We created direct access to the park area by means of a pedestrian and bicycle bridge built over the riverbed. Extensive use of topography, massive tree planting of clusters of mulberry trees and incorporation of water management into the plan including the planting of wildflowers welcome birds, animals, picnic activities and birthday celebrations for residents of the adjacent neighborhood alike.

The entrance complex – A multi-purpose grove.

The historic park entrance was planned as a huge grove that stretches over 130 dunams. Large-scale trees were planted across this space in a basic, regular grid of 10 x 10 m. There are paths, parking spaces, picnic areas, playgrounds, caravans and more folded under. The trees produce a continuous canopy with various uses according to the needs of the park, which will be adapted over time.

The grounds of the groves are planted with wildflowers and the limited maintenance provides an immediate response to stabilizing the soil and offers evergreen meadows and seasonal blooms during the winter and spring. The development of the groves on topographic hills create observation points with the park’s made possible as part of a massive earthwork program to create the new flood plains of the Ayalon River basin. As part of environmental considerations, the surplus of earth from excavation was used to create a shifting man-made terrain that accommodates different functions and creates diverse habitats for flora and fauna.

On the slopes of the hills plants attract butterflies and birds in diagonal lines – the use of a variety of species, rich colors of flowering, foliage colors, decorative fruits and textures create a spectacular sight that is also a rich habitat for butterflies, bees, birds and more.
Between the man-made topography, a large shade structure was erected to host activities as diverse as a market, gatherings and fairs.
A multi-disciplinary team of professional and diverse consultants (landscape architects, ecologists, agronomists, botanists, birds, hydrologists, etc.) collaborated to develop the topography and local growing conditions.