The Beit Shemesh City Council approved a number of budget allocations and increases on Wednesday evening to advance municipal projects, including a major increase in funding for the city’s planned animal park.

The Council approved an additional ₪10 million for the project, bringing the total approved budget for the animal park to ₪25 million.

According to the municipality, the animal park is planned to be more than a place for families to visit. It is also expected to serve as an active educational space. Under the plan presented by Mayor Shmuel Greenberg at the Council meeting, local teenagers will take part in operating the site as part of a dedicated educational program.

The project is expected to give children and families in Beit Shemesh a place to learn about animals and take part in educational and hands-on activities, while also creating another community space for the city.

Mayor Shmuel Greenberg said:

“We are developing the city animal park as an educational, community and hands-on space for the children and families of Beit Shemesh. At the same time, we will continue investing in expanding educational facilities and improving services for residents.”

The approved funding will allow the municipality to continue moving the project forward, along with other municipal projects approved at the Council meeting.