Cape Town’s regional parks are receiving a series of upgrades aimed at improving public facilities, maintaining historic features and keeping some of the city’s best-known green spaces accessible to residents and visitors.
Picture: CoCT
The City of Cape Town says the work was highlighted during a recent visit by Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health Councillor Francine Higham, who toured several parks and the restored ablution facility at Arderne Gardens.
Arderne Gardens gets R1.4 million restoration
One of the key projects is the restoration of the historic ablution facility at Arderne Gardens, where the City invested R1.4 million.
The work included repairs to the roof, timber doors, pergolas, ceilings, flooring and wall tiles, alongside new glazing, electrical infrastructure and sanitary fittings.
The project also included repainting, new signage and mosaic artwork inspired by the gardens’ trees and plant life.
Elsewhere in the gardens, walkways were repaired and resurfaced, while five historic benches were restored using their original cast-iron supports.
The investment comes as the City continues to balance the preservation of heritage features with the practical maintenance required at heavily used public spaces.
Zandvlei upgrades target summer use
At Zandvlei Recreational Park, approximately R1.42 million has been allocated to upgrades, including improvements to ablution facilities and the communal braai area.
The project is expected to be completed by the end of September, ahead of the summer period when parks and outdoor recreational facilities typically see increased use.
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Maynardville and Wynberg also receive work
Maynardville Park has received R240 536.19 for infrastructure maintenance, electrical repairs and equipment allocation.
At Wynberg Park, R259 871.84 was spent on ad hoc maintenance and equipment to support ongoing infrastructure and upkeep.
The figures reflect a mix of larger refurbishment projects and smaller interventions designed to keep facilities operational.
De Waal Park projects continue
At De Waal Park, completed work worth R1.54 million included tree maintenance, mowing, repairs to wooden play equipment, plumbing repairs to public toilets and hard-surface repairs.
More work is planned during the current financial year.
This includes further tree maintenance and mowing, repairs to the ablution block, restoration of the water feature and repairs to the historic bandstand. The park’s benches are also earmarked for refurbishment.
Higham said the parks form part of the city’s wider public infrastructure and called on residents to report vandalism.
‘The City’s regional parks are important community spaces that support recreation, environmental conservation and social wellbeing. Through continued investment and regular oversight, we are ensuring these valued public spaces remain safe, accessible and enjoyable for all residents.’
She added that the parks provide places for people to exercise, relax and spend time with their communities.
‘These are shared public spaces, and we need communities to work with us to look after them. I encourage residents to report vandalism as soon as possible so that we can protect these facilities for everyone who uses them,’ Higham stated.
With several projects still under way or planned, the next phase will focus on completing outstanding work while maintaining the facilities already upgraded.
Alongside the infrastructure work, selected parks, verges, greenbelts and public open spaces are being left unmowed for longer this spring to give indigenous plants time to flower and set seed, while providing food and shelter for pollinators.
This seasonal programme will run in participating areas until the end of October and/or November, with temporary ‘NO MOWING’ signs explaining the different maintenance approach.
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