(haipo) – The Haifa City Council rejected this evening (Tuesday, 6/5/25) the proposal by council members Zeev Sanenzon and David Etzioni to transform the courtyards of kindergartens and schools in the city into "healing courtyards" – natural spaces whose purpose is to encourage mental and physical well-being among students.
Synthetic grass and asphalt
The proposal, which was submitted in March and came up for a vote tonight, called Stop the trend of covering schoolyards with synthetic grass and asphalt. Colorful is a trend that is gaining momentum in the city and to bring back natural elements to the courtyards: trees, soil, vegetation and corners of exploration. According to Sanenzon and Tsioyni, this is a trend that goes against the spirit of the times and the new educational concepts, which are being adopted by many cities in Israel, which advocate the establishment of natural and inviting "healing courtyards."
"In the Haifa suburb, they proudly display their renovated yards, but in reality it is an alienated environment, made of plastic and synthetics, devoid of life and soul," Sanenzon argued to the council members. "Instead of trees and flowers, the children play on colorful but lifeless surfaces, resembling an 'urban desert.'"
The need for a change of direction
He said that the Ministry of Education has also begun to understand the need for a change in trend, and in recent years, more and more studies have been observed indicating the contribution of a natural environment to the emotional, cognitive and motor development of children. In addition, such an environment also benefits the education teams, providing them with a more pleasant and relaxing environment in which to work.
Despite the explanations and data, the proposal was rejected by a majority vote – 17 council members voted against it and only 7 supported it. As a result, the proposal was removed from the agenda, and the artificial courtyards will continue to be an integral part of the city’s educational institutions.
Great idea!!
Why doesn't the article state why it was rejected?
What reason is there to reject such an excellent offer?
You are young in thinking and have access to fresh ideas that the city needs so much. That's why I supported you. Don't let go.
It's not enough that the air in Haifa is polluted, add the plastic fumes from the "grass" that the little ones breathe in the gardens, which are supposed to take care of them.
Shame and disgrace, a city so naturally green, is going backwards and embracing synthetics and artificiality.
Esti Halfon
David and Zeev,
The municipality didn't understand exactly what you wanted...
I don't understand the attitude you are expressing...
They have a treatment and termination approach….
Hop-we're done…..
Good suggestion. Too bad it didn't go through.
The children live in a completely synthetic environment and have no contact with nature.
We are doing our children an injustice by not letting them experience this during the most important developmental period of their lives.
It is recommended to learn from the anthroposophical approach in this case.