‘Smart park’ coming to capital’s Sacher Park

Pilot program could bring phone-charging stations and Wi-Fi to outdoor space.

By MICHELLE MALKA GROSSMAN
Celebrators head in to Jerusalem’s Sacher Park last year where barbecues and festivities are held throughout Independence Day. (photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
Celebrators head in to Jerusalem’s Sacher Park last year where barbecues and festivities are held throughout Independence Day.
(photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
A picnic in the park may soon turn into a hi-tech affair as Jerusalem’s Sacher Park soon becomes part of a “smart park” pilot.
In an effort to create the “smartest park in the country,” the municipality said in statement last week that it is “interested” in installing electric bike-charging stations, phone-charging stations, and free Wi-Fi Internet throughout the site.
Energy-saving “smart” lighting and “smart” irrigation systems, which can be controlled remotely, may soon become a park staple, powered by solar light panels.
The initiative, according to the city, comes as part of an effort to promote the use of new technologies throughout the capital and to “incorporate innovation into the city’s activities.”
According to the municipality, the park was chosen as the spot for hi-tech and energy-saving updates due to its central location in the city, the thousands of its daily visitors and it’s being a home to many of the city’s cultural events.
If the initiative proves to be a smart one, the municipality will “expand its use of technology in additional spots in the city,” said Mayor Nir Barkat.
“We are incorporating innovative technology throughout the city in order to bring the city into the future,” said the mayor, noting it will be a great way to mix old and new together “in one of the oldest and most important cities in the world.”