Yarkon National Park
HaMerkaz
Yarkon National Park, located in Tel Aviv, Israel, is an expansive urban park covering approximately 3.5 square kilometers, making it larger than New York's Central Park. Named after the Yarkon River that flows through it, the park features extensive lawns, sports facilities, botanical gardens, an aviary, a water park, and outdoor concert venues. It serves as a green lung for the city and a hub for cultural and recreational activities. The park includes six themed gardens such as the Rock Garden, which showcases Israel's geological diversity with thousands of plant species, and the Tropical Garden with its rainforest-like microclimate. Historically, the park encompasses lands that were once Palestinian villages depopulated around 1948, with archaeological sites like Tel Gerisa connecting visitors to the region's ancient past. Despite challenges with river pollution, the park supports diverse wildlife including birds, jackals, and porcupines. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and vibrant community events.
Plan your trip to Israel with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: The best time to visit Yarkon National Park is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and the gardens are in full bloom. Visitors are encouraged to check the official website for updates on events and to book tickets for special attractions like the water park in advance. The park offers discounts for seniors, students, and groups, so it's advisable to inquire about these options. Arriving early in the day helps avoid crowds and allows for a full experience of the park's diverse areas. Comfortable walking shoes and sun protection are recommended due to the park's large size and open spaces.
Interesting facts
- •Yarkon Park is slightly larger than Central Park in New York City and twice the size of London's Hyde Park.
- •The park contains the Seven Mills area, remnants of a Palestinian village depopulated before the 1948 war.
- •Tel Gerisa, an archaeological site within the park, is identified with the biblical Gath Rimmon.
- •The Rock Garden is one of the largest of its kind globally, hosting about 3,500 plant species including extensive cacti collections.
- •Despite pollution challenges, the Yarkon River supports diverse wildlife such as golden jackals and mongoose.
History
Yarkon Park's development began in the 1920s when urban planner Patrick Geddes proposed expanding Tel Aviv towards the Yarkon River, envisioning a park on its southern bank.
Initial tree planting started in the 1940s, mainly for the benefit of new immigrants.
Following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and the displacement of Palestinian villages, the Israeli government established parkland on the northern bank in 1950, incorporating lands from depopulated villages.
A comprehensive development plan was initiated in 1961, and the park officially opened in 1973 as Ganei Yehoshua, named after the then-mayor of Tel Aviv, Yehoshua Rabinovich.
Over the decades, the park has expanded and evolved into a major urban recreational area with cultural and natural significance.
Place Guide
Rock Garden
A four-hectare garden displaying Israel's geological diversity with approximately 3,500 plant species, including over 2.4 hectares of cacti, offering a unique botanical experience.
Tropical Garden
A two-hectare garden with a wooden walkway shaded by palm trees leading to a small lake, creating a rainforest-like microclimate that supports orchids and vines.
Seven MillsPre-1948
The area containing remnants of the Palestinian village Jarisha, including old mills, reflecting the region's pre-1948 history.
Tel Gerisa Archaeological SiteBiblical period
An archaeological tell identified with biblical Gath Rimmon, offering insights into the ancient history of the area.
Contact
Phone: 03-627-3927
