Israelis coming to Leawood for Gezer Park dedication

A delegation from Israel’s Gezer Region will be in town next week for the dedication of Leawood’s new, $2 million Gezer Park at 133rd Street and Mission Road. (See below for details)

The unique, 10-acre park devoted to Leawood’s Sister City contains artwork and amenities that have both real and symbolic links to Israel’s Gezer Region.

For instance, one highlight of the park is an eight-foot-tall, limestone reproduction of an ancient planting calendar inscribed with paleo-Hebrew script, which was found in the Gezer Region in the early 20th century. The piece was crafted by Israeli artist Gadi Fraeman, who will be a part of the visiting Gezer delegation.

The other sculptural highlight is the ladder-like “Stones and Steps” by New York-based artist Ilan Averbuch, which rises more than 20 feet out of a pond in the center of the long, narrow park.

The rectangular strip of land was given to the city about a decade ago by Associated Wholesale Grocers, which developed the shopping center immediately south of the park.
In addition to a series of explanatory kiosks, Gezer Park also features a walking trail that circles the central pond and a stone-lined wadi — Arabic for “valley” or “riverbed” — to fill it.
A restroom building and picnic shelter are faced with Jerusalem stone. Even the landscaping in Gezer Park is even designed to evoke central Israel.

Fundraising is still going on for a planned playground addition. A second shelter is also on the drawing boards. But there are no ball fields or tennis courts.

Other future additions are to include a spice garden that is referred to as a “havdalah” garden, which is the Sabbath-closing ceremony at which spices are used. And a “Lag b’Omer” fire pit will recall the Israeli custom of lighting bonfires on the late-spring holiday.

Unique park
Gezer has been a Leawood Sister City since 2003, and Mayor Peggy Dunn has visited the region twice. The park project has been in the works for four years.

“I think it looks fabulous,” said Dunn. “I am thrilled and ready to go. … It’s a unique park. There is nothing like it in the metro area.”

Gezer Park cost the city twice as much as it originally anticipated, mainly due to a low estimate of the cost of the water-circulation system. It is designed to prevent stagnation and the formation of algae on the pond.

Private individuals have pitched in, too. “Stones and Steps” was donated by the Leawood Arts Council, and the calendar sculpture was a gift from the Gezer Regional Council, whose mayor, Peter Weiss, is to be on hand next week for the dedication. Donations also have paid for three benches and will fund construction of the playground and second shelter, said Leawood Parks Director Chris Claxton.

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