Lebanese citizens have become accustomed to the constant and consistent construction of “bigger and better” buildings and malls in the country. Though these establishments offer shopping, dining, movie-watching, and (when you can afford it) homes to inhabit, the enjoyment they provide is not without a cost: there’s more concrete and less green in our sprawling urban jungle.
Beirut.com sat down with Dima Boulad, co-founder of The Beirut Green Project — an initiative aimed at spreading awareness about and encouraging the use of available green spaces — to find out where Lebanese can get the most out of the country’s public spaces.
Pros: This is a popular go-to family spot with playground equipment for children, and plenty of benches for caregivers and parents to sit down and relax.
Cons: Due to its popularity, it is generally so crowded – especially during the weekends – that finding space to enjoy it can be tricky. Aim for a weekday afternoon visit if you can.
Named after the renowned Lebanese-American poet, this garden is located in the downtown area, facing the ESCWA building.
Pros: It is a peaceful, calm location to get some thoughtful walking in, and easily maneuverable, given the park’s circular structure and manageable size.
Cons: The walls surrounding this particular park make it seem closed off to the public. But it’s not!
3. The American University of Beirut campus In this picture, a birds-eye view of upper and lower AUB campus. (Image via kth.se)
This entire university campus is beautiful and breathtaking with the myriad of different greenery and benches overlooking gorgeously scenic views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Pros: The size of the space is ideal for exercising, and on sunny days, the Green Oval on upper campus and the Charles Hostler Center field on lower campus are filled with people.
Cons: There are days where security will refuse any visitors besides AUB students, teachers, employees and alumni. Aim for the days where there are events (such as music performances, plays, etc.) on campus that will allow access to anyone.
AUB Campus Bliss Street Hamra Tel.: +9611340460 Tel.: +9611350000
Pros: Overlooking Mount Lebanon and the Beirut River, this garden is dense with trees, and provides an out-of-city experience where you can momentarily forget the traffic, stress, and annoyances of everyday life.
Cons: The park suffers from low maintenance, so trash and rusty fencing may put a damper on the scenic-beauty aspect of it all.
5. Horsh Tabet (Not to be confused with Horsh Beirut) (Image via Beirut Green Project)
Pros: Located on the outskirts of Beirut in Sin-El-Fil, this public garden sees a lot of foot traffic. It’s open to families and pets, so a great place to walk your dog. There is also a playground for children. The space is very environment-friendly, with recycling bins located in different spots throughout the area.
Cons: It does not have facilities like bathrooms or WiFi.
This list doesn’t begin to exhaust the public green spaces available in Lebanon. There are a total of 24 in all. Head to the Beirut Green Project website to find out more about the garden nearest you.
