BOG 2025: A Playground with a Bigger Purpose

Tel Aviv University broke ground on a project unlike anything in its history: the Joseph Baazov Accessible Playground — a state-of-the-art, inclusive play space designed for children with and without disabilities. 

At first glance, the idea may seem surprising. Universities are known for lecture halls and laboratories, not swings and slides. But for TAU, the playground reflects a core belief: that higher education institutions have a responsibility not only to advance research and teach students, but also to serve the broader community. 

A Vision for Accessibility and Inclusion 

The 14,000-square-foot playground, located in a green public space on the western side of campus, will be open to families from across Tel Aviv and beyond. Every detail of its design ensures accessibility, creating an environment where children of all abilities can play together, fostering equality, dignity, and shared experiences. Tailored to the needs of a wide range of disabilities – motor, cognitive and others, the playground will feature a seesaw for wheelchairs, specially designed swings, sensory activity boards, and more. 

Artist’s impression of the Accessible Playground (for illustrative purposes)

Prof. Neta Ziv, TAU’s Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Community, explained at the ceremony that the project is part of the University’s wider commitment to inclusion — from creating the role of Disability Coordinator, to adapting physical spaces, to supporting underserved communities. 

“It is not a cliché to say that the way a society treats persons with disabilities reveals its core values,” said Prof. Ziv. “This playground embodies principles we hold dear: accessibility, equality, dignity, and shared space.” 

 

The Generosity Behind the Project 
 

The groundbreaking was made possible through the generosity of David Baazov, a TAU Governor, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and proud Zionist, who dedicated the playground in memory of his late father, Joseph Baazov. 

“My father, z"l, taught me that our greatest fulfillment comes through giving, because it’s the right thing to do,” Baazov said.

“In dedicating this park, I feel I’m not just honoring the man — I’m honoring the father who gave me everything, including the strength and clarity to give something back.” 

 

Baazov also spoke about the importance of family, turning to his children, who joined him for the occasion, he added: “To my children, you embody the values that are at the very heart of this park and the legacy it represents: togetherness.” 

In his remarks, TAU President Prof. Ariel Porat praised Baazov’s steadfast commitment to the University and to Israel. This is not his first major contribution to TAU: in 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine, Baazov responded to the University’s Ukraine Emergency Fund appeal within an hour, marking his first donation in his father’s name. He has also supported Ethiopian student scholarships and other causes close to the University’s mission. 

“David, your support speaks volumes about your love for Israel and about Jewish resilience,” Prof. Porat said. “And by bringing your children here today, you’ve shown them the power of giving in action.” 

From Vision to Reality 

Partnering with the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality, TAU plans to complete the playground in time for the University’s next Board of Governors meeting in 2026, which will also celebrate TAU’s 70th anniversary. The facility will be more than a play area — it will be a living example of the University’s belief in shared spaces, community engagement, and opportunity for all. 

As Prof. Porat summed it up: “This will not be just another playground. It will be a place where children can create, imagine, and connect — away from their screens, and together, in the heart of our campus.”