The Lowell Milken Family Sports and Recreation Complex

The story of the Lowell Milken Family Sports and Recreation Complex begins in September 2000, with the outbreak of the Second Intifada, or terror war against Israel.

With violence against Israelis at an all-time high, Ariel residents became reluctant to travel outside of the city unless absolutely necessary. While staying home was ultimately a safe move for locals, it also disrupted the fabric of normal daily living, including trips to recreational facilities outside of the city.

Ariel’s then-mayor, Ron Nachman, was determined to help residents keep their daily routines despite the violence around them.

After a groundbreaking campaign to raise funds and generous donations from the Milken family, Pastor John Hagee, and others, the full-scale Lowell Milken Family Sports and Recreation Complex opened in 2008.

Since then, membership has ballooned to over 10,000 members – and, in advance of expected growth in the City of Ariel and in the student population of nearby Ariel University, the facility was due for a much-needed expansion.

The third floor and new facilities opened in mid-2022 with  a total expansion of 865 square meters (9310 square feet). The fitness center moved to the upper floor and doubled not only in size, but in number of machines for each section. The gym is among the most modern and top quality in the country!

There are also plans for a play area and for crucial service areas to be added.