Beit Sahour, West Bank -  The United States Agency for International Development (USAID)  celebrated Tuesday, February 12, the inauguration of a public park in Beit Sahour. Minister of Tourism, Her Excellency Khulud Diabes; Minister of Local Government, His Excellency Ziad al-Bandak; Bethlehem Governor, Salah Ta'mari; Mayor of Beit Sahour, Hani Hayek; USAID Assistant Administrator Michael E. Hess; and USAID Deputy Mission Director R. David Harden, along with other distinguished guests, attended the event.   The public park was created on land transformed from a former military camp.  It symbolizes an important transition for the community from conflict to peace and a better tomorrow.

More than 300 community members volunteered to assist in the transformation of the park, which will benefit more than 5,000 people.  USAID partnered with the community through a $77,000 grant which provided benches, shelters, landscaping, and recreational areas for the residents.  The municipality leveled the land, planted trees, and made stone seats and a boundary wall.

“This new public park represents a symbol of peace, tranquility and safety for the community,” said USAID Assistant Administrator Michael E. Hess. 

The new park provides a green space where families and community groups can relax and organize social events such as - outdoor games for children.  A special meeting square was built for scout activities as well as a climbing tower where scouts and other local groups will practice team-building activities. Since 1993, USAID has provided more than $1.7 billion in U.S. economic assistance to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza via projects designed to combat poverty, improve health and education, create jobs, and promote democracy and good governance.