Length: 2- 3 hours
Mode of Transport: Bikes, roller blade, baby carrier, stroller, wheelchairs - it's all good
Why Go? Wide open spaces and comfortable trails
Toilet? Yes, with plenty of changing stations
What to Bring: Snacks, water, blanket, binoculars
Entrance Fee: Ain't no thang! And free tours on Fri/Sat. (10 shekels for the movie)
Ah yes, that big mound off of Ayalon you pass all the time and wonder what the hell is it. Well, mystery solved - it's a trash dump turned ecological park miracle. We're talking 8000 dunum/ 2000 acres of turning that frown upside-down...one man's trash is another man's treasure. You get the point. It is named for the late, great former Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, since it was his initial project and vision.
The park is very well done. You can enjoy lots of paved pathways great for biking, rollerblading and strolling. There are picnic benches dotting the whole place, and relatively a good amount of clean toilets.
Parking is at the bottom, which is plentiful if you get there early (as I always suggest). You then walk up some stairs or incline to get the main central area, which has a small cafe, large pond and cool wooden deck. This is also where the 15 minute movie is - for those interested can see the history for 10 shekels a ticket.
From there, you can walk uphill 500 meters to the amazing lookout onto the Gush Dan area for a 360 panoramic view. My nugget loved biking on the downhills while I held my breath and ran around the open grassy areas.
Another swell treat is the free guided walking tour every Friday and Saturday at 9:30, 11:30 and 13:30. Keep in mind the park hours are 9:00 - 15:30. And you know what...it doesn't even smell that bad!
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