The Liberty Bell Park in Jerusalem (In Hebrew: “Gan HaPaamon” – meaning “The Bell Garden”) is a large maple city garden located near the city center, between the Talbiyeh neighborhoods, the German Colony, and Yemin Moshe. To the east, the garden is bounded by King David Street, with Bloomfield Garden on the other side.
The park itself is very close to the station complex on Emek Refaim Street. It is the second-largest urban park in the city (the largest is Sacher park).
History
The park was established in 1976 on a large area called the “Omria Complex”, after a large-scale plan to build luxury residential towers and hotels on the site was canceled due to public protest, and replaced with a more modest plan that also included parks and open spaces. However, north of the garden, LaRom hotel was built in 1983 (later changed its name to Inbal Hotel), and to the south, a hotel of the Four Seasons chain was planned. There are other hotels near the garden, the most prominent of which is the Orient Hotel from the Isrotel chain.
At the heart of the Liberty Bell Park is the object after which it is named: an exact replica of the Liberty Bell (The original can be found in Philadelphia) – the ultimate symbol of the American Revolution. It is not that related to Jerusalem – a city that has not seen a revolution since the Bar Kochba revolt in the second century AD – but that did not stop it from dedicating the garden in honor of the 200th anniversary of United States independence, which occurred in the year the garden was inaugurated.
Throughout the park are a number of sculptures that were sculpted by the artists Earl Etrog, Israel Hadani, Henry Moore, and Dalia Meiri. Another sculpture is located in the plaza on the northern side of the garden – a dragon figure made of concrete that is “sunk” in the ground and named Jerry (at least according to the sign there).
What is the connection between a dragon named Jerry and the US independence? Good question.
Facilities in the Liberty Bell Park
Throughout Liberty Bell Park there is a small stone amphitheater for about 500 spectators and various facilities such as a skating rink, playgrounds for children, as well as basketball courts, soccer, ping pong tables, and from 2010 also beach volleyball court where temporary stands containing hundreds of seats are erected during tournaments.
In addition, the “Carriage Theater” operates in the garden area, for which a new and larger building was inaugurated in 2016, as well as a skate park with a shaded stand suitable for seventy spectators that includes night lighting that allows it to host skateboarding competitions.
Other Important Information
At the entrance to the park, there are toilet and water facilities open to the general public. The park itself has a number of shaded areas suitable for families, picnics, and children.
Most parking places in the area are not free, so it is recommended to take it into account and arrive on foot or by public transport.