(Live here) – Kishon Metropolitan Park launch ceremony and completion of Phase 15 of the Salt Park. Held on Wednesday, 1/25/XNUMX.
The event was held in the presence of the Minister of Environmental Protection - Idit Silman, the Mayor of Haifa - Yona Yahav, the Mayor, the Mayor of Kiryat Yam David Even Tzur, the Head of the Kiryat Tivon Local Council, Idan Greenblum, the Head of the Zevulun Regional Council Amos Netzer, the Director General of the Kishon River Authority - Sharon Nissim, the CEOs of the authorities and representatives of the Ministries of Tourism and the Interior and environmental organizations.

The salt marsh park is located in the western part of the Kishon River Park, near the river's mouth into the sea. The Kishon River Authority carried out ecological restoration of the polluted sludge ponds that were previously there, transforming it into a wet meadow and a unique park for the public. The infrastructure work has been completed, including earthworks that created a salt marsh landscape, waterways connecting to the Kishon River, and three islands that will preserve the natural values of the place. In addition, accessible hiking trails were paved, salt marsh plants were transplanted, and wild plants were planted throughout the park. The coastal salt marsh is a rare habitat that is in danger of extinction, and the park will preserve the largest salt marsh in Israel.

Minister of Environmental Protection, Idit Silman:
The launch of Kishon Metropolitan Park is a historic moment that embodies years of hard work, uncompromising persistence, and a deep commitment to the public. This is a groundbreaking initiative that combines substantial environmental restoration with the creation of a spectacular public space that will serve the residents of the metropolis for generations. This park is proof that when vision, professionalism, and collaboration are combined, real and meaningful change can be achieved. I thank my partners in the journey and everyone who took part in realizing this vision for the benefit of the public and the preservation of nature.

Mayor of Kiryat Yam, David Ibn Tzur:
For us, the Haifa metropolis did not have a park like the ones in Tel Aviv and Beersheba and now it will. A park that is an anchor of quality of life for us and our children. This place will be a tourist anchor for all residents of the metropolis and much thanks to the work of Sharon Nissim and the Kishon River Authority.
Planning for the future
Later, observation decks will be built towards Haifa Bay, a lookout tower for watching waterfowl, and a birdwatching station for monitoring birds in the park. Pedestrian bridges will be built to cross the bodies of water and connect the islands. Access to the park will be an attraction in itself and will be via a raft that will transport travelers from the existing Kishon Park to the new Salt Park.
The budget for the project comes from the Fund for Preservation of Open Spaces at the Israel Lands Authority, the Ministry of Tourism and the Government Tourism Corporation, the Haifa Municipality, and the Kishon River Authority.

CEO of the Kishon River Authority, Sharon Nissim:
The largest green lung in the northern metropolis is underway, and the stream authority has a significant role in changing the face of the entire region and improving the quality of life of the residents. I thank the Minister of Environmental Protection, Idit Silman, for her support and assistance in promoting the park and protecting the environment, Mayor Yona Yahav for her encouragement and initiative over the years, and all the heads of authorities who are our partners in the journey. I call on everyone to mobilize to obtain the financial resources to establish the park.
Get a summary of the history of Kishon Park, and what remains of it, after its important part was sacrificed.
For the needs of the port in the service of the Chinese government, which is a central link in the axis of evil, whose president
He declared himself and in his own voice: Every port we establish in the world is planned in advance for our military needs.
A. The park area has been cut repeatedly over the past 20 years in favor of the Israel Ports Company.
B. The Kishon River Cleansing Initiative ("The Winding", remember?) began with the sound of a shofar and ended with fragments...
C. The environmental review did not allow bridge piers in the stream. What did they do? They changed the review…
D. The Ministry of Transportation and the Environment, Merav Michaeli and Tamar Zandberg, waived a second environmental review
On the logistical issue, they ignored the report of a chief scientist at the Ministry of Transportation, and approved the Chinese port
"Container Park" at the expense of Kishon Park, what will the hustle and bustle of transportation and traffic in its surroundings do to it?
E. The Kishon River Authority filed a petition against the container park. Full disclosure – I also participated.
Another full disclosure – the river authority gave up on the petition without my knowledge, you can guess why…
In conclusion, it is doubtful whether the Kishon has suffered such abuse since Sisera's failed military campaign.
How does all this fit into the "Gulf Revitalization"? Very simple – leave the Chinese port,
And his area of interests, outside the realm of "regeneration" and its environmental provisions!
One compliment, though – to the event photographer, for the eye-opening photos.