Cities’ best parks for man’s best friend

Israel’s streets may be ruled by stray cats, but dogs rule people’s homes. In a country of just over 7 million people there are nearly 400,000 registered dogs, according to a national dog registry kept by the Agriculture Ministry.

Bringfido, a website dedicated to pet-friendly travel, counts 64 cities in Israel that cater to both owners and pets. It’s no wonder. In Tel Aviv, Israel’s second-most populous city, for example, dogs are everywhere: restaurants, the beach, stores, cafes. In Tel Aviv, it’s sometimes harder to find places that don’t allow dogs than those that do. The city has literally gone to the dogs.

Farther north in the mountains or down in the desert, vast open space provides plenty of room for dogs to run wild. But while you’re stuck in the city — and you’re longing for some dog space — try one of these that we’ve highlighted for you:

1. Spiegel Park at the Hilton, Tel Aviv: This dog park boasts beautiful, expansive views of the ocean, the air is clean and fresh, and the dogs have a selection of grassy nooks for playing with one another. There are a lot of kids around, and plenty of space for owners to sprawl and relax.

The dog owners know each other and come to the park because “it’s simply the best,” said one Tel Aviv resident. If you go at the right time, you can see 40 or 50 dogs playing together. At other times, the park is like an oasis: tranquil and calm.

2. Gan Ha’ir, Tel Aviv: Hidden away behind Rabin Square in central Tel Aviv, the park at Gan Ha’ir is a slice of heaven. It’s close to everything along Tel Aviv’s main street, Ibn Gvirol, yet has the allure of a Parisienne garden. There are fountains for dogs to play in and plenty of grass and benches for relaxing owners. While there isn’t an abundance of shade, there is a feeling of being isolated yet close to the world as it bustles by. Although Tel Aviv boasts a spectacular dog beach, a lot of owners choose this park because of its local familiarity.

“I come here because it has a community feel,” says Jordana Shay, Tel Aviv resident and proud owner of Yogi, a two-year-old Samoyed. “Sometimes you don’t feel like getting sandy or it’s just too late for the beach, so I take Yogi here. He has friends and he can run around for hours. I like that it’s not enclosed but that it’s still safe.”

Experts say too many dogs in a confined place can make some dogs aggressive, she added, but that Gan Ha’ir has the opposite feel.

[mappress mapid=”324″]

3. Gan Ha’em, Haifa: Known in English as “Mother’s Park,” this little hideaway is great for dogs, kids and families. It is centrally located in the upper neighborhood of Carmelit, near the zoo — amid stores and restaurants — but has ample grass and is liberally scattered with trees. It has a playground for kids and hosts concerts throughout the summer in its shell-shaped stage. The park also offers easy access for the handicapped and benches and tables for picnics.

If you want something quieter, try Gan Mania down the road and also in Carmelit, right near Haifa’s auditorium. The zigzag design of that park gives off an aura of solitude for a true urban haven.

4. San Simon Park, Jerusalem: As with much of Jerusalem, the San Simon neighborhood is built atop years of history and was the scene of bitter fighting during the 1948 War of Independence. Today, the large park is located on the outskirts of the eclectic Old Katamon neighborhood and is the perfect hideaway for dog walkers and park lovers.

It has large grassy areas where visitors can hold soccer games, three playgrounds with mostly modern equipment, ping-pong tables and even a full-size basketball court. Best of all, it has a gated dog park that is popular with locals.

5.  Gan Meir, Tel Aviv: This is likely Tel Aviv’s most quintessential dog park. The park is historic and has lovely grounds, as well as its own enclosed space where dogs are kings. And, it’s just a moment away from Dizengoff Center on King George Street.

It’s got fountains and rock-lined paths as well as an amphitheater and shaded benches. There are also a few quaint cafes nearby, which offer some welcome relief for dog owners.