Water for Nature Group won first place in the national contest "Local Authority Award for Outstanding Planning Project 2019" for the River Park project in Mazkeret Batya
Urban Nature Park Mazkeret Batya | River Park
An ecological park covering an area of 300 dunams, this project includes the rehabilitation of two streams: Nahal Ekron and Nahal HaShlosha. In addition, the project combined with irrigation water plants and infiltration into the aquifer along with tide control ponds to prevent floods.
Nahal Ekron once flowed through the heart of the settlement of Mazkeret Batya, and at the time was a perennial stream. Due to severe over-pumping, Nahal Ekron became a neglected site for dumping.
We have rehabilitated the river by catching the runoff in the winter, pooling the water in a lake. Spinning with the help of pumps has allowed us to initiate the process of returning the stream to a perennial one, which flows throughout the entire year. The stream is full of life, serving as a home to a wide variety of wet habitats.
The rehabilitation has helped to promote the marketing of the new neighborhoods in the community. The community was also actively involved throughout the rehabilitation process through a multi-year educational program.