The old train-track route in Jerusalem is being turned into a long oasis of greenery, bicycle paths and park area.
Work has begun on the first section, 800 meters long, between the Mekor Chaim and German Colony neighborhoods near Emek Refaim Street. The new “long park” will include sitting areas, lawns, and modern playgrounds.
The route to be upgraded is five kilometers (three miles) long and 15 meters (16.5 yards) wide, for a total area of about 20 acres.
The unique urban renewal work is being sponsored by the Jerusalem Municipality. Israel Railways, and the Jerusalem Development Authority, and planned by Nof Architecture. The cost of the current stage: eight million shekels.
“The park will be part of our plan to make Jerusalem Israel’s greenest city,” said Mayor Nir Barkat. “The city will have a total of over 50,500 dunams (12,600 acres) of green area in and around it, raising the quality of life in the capital.”