(live here) – Residents complain about the ongoing neglect of the synthetic field in Hecht Park in Haifa. The surface is worn, the nets are torn, and the fence is in poor condition. The Haifa municipality is in no hurry to repair it.
The synthetic soccer field in Hecht Park, one of the main activity centers in Haifa for children, teenagers and sports enthusiasts, is in a poor state of maintenance and raises real concerns for the safety of those using it. The synthetic grass is worn, worn and faded, parts of it are torn or missing, and there are holes in it that endanger the players. The goal nets are torn, and the wooden fence around the field is broken and parts are missing.
According to residents, this is not a new problem. "It has become a habit - every year the situation repeats itself, and only after publications in the media, mainly thanks to 'Hai Fe', which has now become the voice of the residents - the municipality remembers to act," says one resident who regularly comes to the field. "We can't continue like this. It's not just a matter of aesthetics - it's also dangerous."
Indeed, last year, residents also warned of serious safety hazards in the lot, and only after an article was published in "Hai Pa" on the subject did the municipality carry out specific renovations. Now, a few months later, the situation is returning to normal - the feeling of neglect and abandonment is palpable in the area.
The field, which serves dozens of amateur players each week, has become a symbol of disappointment with municipal maintenance in public parks. Residents are calling on the municipality to address the hazards immediately and ensure ongoing maintenance throughout the year – and not just in response to public pressure.
Following numerous complaints received by the system, we contacted the Haifa Municipality with several questions:
- Why doesn't the municipality address the deficiencies on an ongoing basis, in a way that would prevent the repeated deterioration of the lot's condition?
- How often is a safety inspection or defect inspection carried out on site?
- Is there an immediate or future plan to address the current hazards on the field?
- And in addition – are there any shading solutions planned for the site? As of today, the park does not have shaded benches for parents accompanying their children, and the summer heat during the day makes using the park impossible. Does the municipality intend to add shading and improve the experience of using the park?
The Haifa Municipality responded: "The Haifa Municipality is aware of the condition of the soccer field in Hecht Park, and is maintaining it on an ongoing basis, including spot repairs to the grass, nets, and fences. A full renovation of the surface is planned for next year, subject to budget. The issue of shading and benches is under consideration. The municipality will continue to work to improve public sports facilities in accordance with existing priorities and resources."
✋ People are destroying the field. They come from all sorts of neighborhoods. A woman said she saw children from Makkabir and other nearby neighborhoods in Haifa playing. But why destroy the grass? The fence is there?
The problem is that today's youth, the war only added "fire to the fire." Once upon a time, there was no playground. In the 60s and 70s, children would build a dance floor. That's how they played soccer and basketball. They would take a tin can and make a hole. If two large sticks make a basketball, then if the municipality fixes it,
Please don't spoil the field if it's not a fence 🙂↔️ It's understandable to him one hour earlier