Park Paradise…

This morning was beautiful and we felt bad for Jojo having to do Boring Adult Things so we took him to Park Hamishpacha, a beautiful haven just a few minutes (if not heavily pregnant) walk up the hill.  The town had a problem with local “undesirables” (translation: Arabs from nearby villages) using the park, and the powers that be wanted to keep the city “high class” so they now charge 15 shekel if you are a non-Karmiel resident.  They check your teudat zehut as you enter.  It’s horribly prejudice, but very effective.  We only saw Israelis there.  I find it very upsetting that the local Arab villages do not build their own parks – even simple childrens’ play areas.  I am sure there is a host of political conclusions and comments one can make here, but as a mother viewing it from the view of other mothers, I honestly don’t know how they manage. 

The park, situated next to a beautiful pine forest, is a beautifully designed modern oasis with activity sections for all ages, including a gymboree sturcture (which is never open, possibly a winter activity),  water fountains to amuse children (and save you washing them yourself), mini-golf, a mini-maze and the enclosure is practically surrounded by mountain views.  Somebody put a lot of thought into that place.  We plan to be regular visitors and we have been told there are several more gorgeous parks to explore all over the town.

I sat there, watching Jojo loving the fountains, and along with lots of other happy kids was thrilled when the water randomly sprouted up for the millionth time, and somewhere someone started to play feel-good israeli music.  It was a gorgeous day, the first with a decent mountain breeze as you would expect here, and a grandma sitting nearby smiled at me.  I think she felt as blessed as me to be there.