In the heart of Eilat, on the ruins of the old airport, the “Terminal Park” was recently established – a lively entertainment complex promising to bring new energy to the southern tourist city. The park, which includes a variety of amusement park attractions (a Ferris wheel soon to be built, bumper cars, go-karting, a bungee ball, a cable car), food trucks with a culinary selection, family activities such as dancing, and future plans for the construction of an impressive Ferris wheel, is designed to become an attraction for both tourists and residents alike. During the week, the park offers a variety of activities, including “soap workshops,” “circus juggling,” “Pilates,” “jazz performances,” “acrobatics,” and more.
However, alongside the excitement, questions and criticisms arise – not about the park itself, but about the use of the space: Is this central area really being used optimally for a city like Eilat, which relies on tourism as its main economic engine? Ron, a tourist from Givatayim who often visits Eilat each year, said: “Listen, this is an enormous area. The number of things I can think of that could have been done instead of this amusement park is endless. Hotels, malls, shopping centers. Eilat has two big malls – why not another one that raises the level? One with luxury brands? What about a cinema complex like ‘Cinema City’ or ‘Yes Planet,’ isn’t something like that really needed?”
Yosef, a tourist who just arrived in the city and whom I met near the park, said: “Listen, I don’t know if calling this a ‘park’ or an ‘amusement park’ is correct. It looks more like a traveling fair from the ’90s moving from city to city. Everything here looks temporary and improvised. A climbing wall made from containers? On this kind of site, I would expect a huge shopping center or a luxurious hotel, Las Vegas or Dubai style.”
Avindav, a resident of Haifa who is also visiting Eilat, said: “Listen, bro, for me Eilat is a city you pass through on the way to the casino in Taba. True, a casino is still illegal, but imagine if a casino had been built here instead of this park. Do you know how much money would come into the city? Everything would be flourishing. Ramon Airport would be taking off, literally. Tourists from abroad would come. Everything would look much better. In my eyes, this is a waste. Who needs another ‘ball’ when there’s already one on the promenade? But what can I do.”
Shira, a city resident, has a different opinion: “Finally, something good is happening in this city, after years of everything being stuck here. Finally something is happening. Finally a new place.” Shira is not alone; Ayala, another city resident, is also happy with the new park: “Now there’s somewhere to go with the kids. A little variety. How fun. I’m happy.”
Terminal Park is not alone; a short tour around the city reveals other ambitious projects such as the “Soho Mall,” which is under construction and expected to be even larger than the famous “Mall by the Sea,” the legendary “Princess” hotel, and several other hotels along the promenade.
The Eilat Municipality responded: “We are glad to hear that the residents of Eilat like the project and support it. The park is intended for them and for the tens of thousands of tourists who come to the city. The current format of the park was created after examining many alternatives, and in light of various factors, including the desire to offer a variety of entertainment options that refresh and expand the offerings without duplicating existing options, the current plan was developed, which is still under construction and implementation. (Thanks for the suggestion to build a casino; this is still illegal in Israel.) Terminal Park is an entertainment, culture, and leisure complex for the whole family, located in the heart of Eilat on the site of the old airport. It is one of the few places in the country that combines an open urban entertainment experience – with extreme sports areas, an artists’ fair, cultural performances, street theater, diverse food trucks, and permanent content activities free for all ages.
“The vision behind the park is to create a free, community-oriented, and accessible meeting space that connects residents and tourists coming to Eilat. Throughout the year, events, workshops, and performances take place and will take place, some open to the public, initiated and in collaboration with the municipality and the Tourism Corporation. We started before Rosh Hashanah with continuous activities, workshops, and free experiences, held every evening and attracting many families. The first festival held in the park was a great success, drawing thousands of people each evening. We continue tirelessly to implement the vision and believe that in the coming months all details of the plan will be completed.”