Bellville’s Elizabeth Park is set to undergo an epic transformation that means good news for all kinds of wildlife and visitors!
Elizabeth Park, South Africa (29 November 2024) — Bellville’s Elizabeth Park is a gem somewhat in the rough in the rare Cape Flats Sand Fynbos area.
Rich with unique plants and animals, and with the Elsieskraal River running through, the park should be a haven for amphibians, native birds, insects and locals. But, it isn’t. At least, not just yet.
Like many parks in urban areas, Elizabeth Park has faced its share of challenges. Pollution, soil erosion, invasive plant species and management hurdles have all played their hand. It’s tough for those who can see its potential, potential that just needs an extra push to be reached.
However, good news has come for Elizabeth Park, thanks to teams dedicated to its potential! The Friends of Elizabeth Park and the Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP) are thrilled to share that they have received the green light from the City of Cape Town to kickstart an ambitious rehabilitation and conservation programme that will ultimately transform the park and help it become the vibrant, natural space it was meant to be.
“We are thrilled to get started on this crucial rehab programme,” says Noorudeen Roman, GTP Project Manager and Friends of Elizabeth Park Chairman.
“Elizabeth Park’s already looking better from recent upgrades, and we’ve got big plans to keep improving it so it remains a great place for locals to hang out.”
Noorudeen adds that the project is about more than fixing the park.
“It’s about reconnecting the community with their green spaces.”
Transforming Elizabeth Park
The rehabilitation programme will include several key projects:
1. Fixing up the Elsieskraal River
This will see the water cleaned, homes made for the wildlife and work that will stop the river banks from wearing away.
2. Revamping the Native Plants
The plan is to revitalise the park with the Cape Sand Fynbos landscaping which will also support local wildlife movements.
3. Creating a Sensory Fynbos garden
The sensory garden hopes to bloom with local plants, attract bees and butterflies and provide an engaging way for people to get in touch with nature.
The call is now loud for the larger community to support the initiative and keep the park running smoothly.
The teams taking care of the park’s transformation are looking for volunteers and donations to help them plant local species, improve the river’s health and support the educational edge they hope to add to Elizabeth Park.
Those interested in helping can contact Noorudeen via noorudeen.roman@gtp.org.zap.
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