Indulge in green tourism at Israel's landfill turned park

Israel has transformed a massive garbage on the outskirts of Tel Aviv into a tourist playground and area of natural beauty, in "one of the world's most dramatic 'eco-friendly' initiatives."

The Ayalon Park initiative describes itself as "Israel's most ambitious environmental project to date. The 2,000-acre park is named after the Ayalon River which runs through it, and will feature a recycling plant and environmental education centers as welll as hiking and cycling routes, a water feature, zoo and picnic areas.

The park was born out of what was not so long ago a 230-foot pile of refuse. From its peak, visitors will be able to enjoy fantastic panoramic views over the greater Tel Aviv area.

This "symbol of renewal in Israeli society," says the Ministry of Tourism, will include a center where visitors can watch the entire recycling process and learn about its importance for the future of the environment.

The project is a "true indicator of Israel's efforts to put itself on a par with some of the most environmentally conscious countries in the world," said Arie Sommer of the Ministry of Tourism. According to Sommer, the park will be a "front door to Tel Aviv's amazing natural landscape."