Page 6 - Landscape-Issue144

PROJECT

SLUYSKEN PARK, CAPE TOWN

The Welgemoed City Improvement District (WCID) is undertaking an upgrade of
its public parks, with a dual focus on reintroducing biodiversity and enhancing
public usability. Sluysken Park was identified as the flagship of this revitalisation
programme, following extensive public interaction and surveys to obtain the

community’s input.

Project Team It also integrates seamlessly with the Hard landscaping aspects of the
Client: Welgemoed City Improvement pedestrian network, enriching both the park
District ecological value and the aesthetic appeal Residents stressed that an important
Landscape Architects and Project of the park.” aspect of park upgrades is the
Managers: Truform Landscape Snyders says that “public spaces are enhancement of playgrounds and social
Architects about creating connection between areas designed to be inclusive for all ages.
Landscape Contractor: Arrow community members and between To address the challenges of harsh sun
Landscapes people and nature. The broader benefits and to ensure safety, rubber surfaces have
of this are a healthy, happy community.” been installed beneath play structures,
He adds that the community-centric while playground equipment has been
design of Sluysken Park has created green crafted from treated timber, which
s part of the public participation spaces that encourage connection and remains cooler to the touch during hot
process, residents were asked for socialisation by providing activities for all weather.
Atheir preferences and suggestions age groups. “These have been created with For hard surfaces, durable clay paving
regarding park features. The feedback multi-generational enjoyment in mind,” he has been chosen for its resilience and
gathered formed the foundation of the explains. The following features have been warm, earthy appearance, reinforcing the
design proposals, ensuring that the included: park’s natural aesthetic. Additionally, to
upgraded park not only supports local • a playground for children’s fine and enhance the environmental sustainability
wildlife and native plant species, but also gross motor skills development; of the park, furniture is constructed from
includes facilities and amenities that cater • a pump track for high energy activities; recycled concrete that incorporates
for the community’s recreational needs. • a simple mountain bike trail; recycled plastics, fibers and wood. This
The project proceeded through • a concrete table tennis facility; approach not only supports eco-friendly
phases of feedback collection, design • a shaded picnic area and lawns for practices but also integrates innovative
development, community review and family gatherings and sports; and design elements that contribute to the
final implementation, with the goal of • quieter spaces with social furniture park’s overall functionality and appeal.
creating vibrant, functional spaces that for teenagers, which complement the According to Snyders, the project aims
reflect residents’ desires and contribute to existing aeroplane jungle gym. to link parks by means of pedestrian
environmental sustainability. Central to the park’s design is the walkways that encourage the flow of
reintroduction of urban biodiversity foot traffic and discourage community
Landscape design concept through the planting of threatened members from using cars. This not only
Welgemoed is a typical suburb where Renosterveld vegetation. This not only reduces carbon emissions but also
parks and public spaces have fallen into a revitalises the park with seasonal changes benefits residents’ health, as walking
state of disrepair, and the WCID is leading but also attracts diverse fauna, contributing is known to improve the quality of life
a transformative revitalisation effort to to a thriving ecosystem within the suburb. across all age groups. Walkable green
improve its parks, promote pedestrian Sluysken Park serves as a vital link in a spaces are also known to be effective in
movement and reduce vehicular traffic broader network of interconnected green reducing crime.
within the suburb. spaces, emphasising the role of parks in
Pedestrian networks linking multiple promoting environmental stewardship and Landscape installation
parks and green public spaces are enhancing the community’s quality of life. This was undertaken by Grant Barrett
increasingly being recognised for their The transformation of the park showcases of Arrow Landscapes who says he
vital role in enhancing biodiversity the importance of green infrastructure “interpreted and implemented Snyders’
and promoting community well-being. and community engagement in creating vision for the park.” The challenges
The focus on biodiversity reflects the vibrant urban environments that benefit he faced included rain, the slope and
origin of the project: a small, volunteer- both residents and local wildlife. contours of the site, and ants in the
driven initiative to rehabilitate surviving Five thousand plants have been planted paving. In the case of the slopes and
fragments of the critically endangered in the park, representing more than 60 contours, he says he resolved these by
Swartland Shale Renosterveld in the WCID different species, ten of which are on the “working with nature, and not fighting it.”
open spaces. This is a crucial component of Red Data List. These plants have been Following the completion of Sluysken
the local ecosystem, and the project uses propagated from cuttings and seeds Park, four more parks within the WCID will
only endemic plant material propagated collected in natural remnants within a be upgraded over the next five years.
from a broad gene pool to enhance 12 km radius of WCID to protect the genetic
genetic diversity and resilience. integrity of the neighbouring Tygerberg
Landscape architect Timothy Snyders Nature Reserve. The project is unique in Information supplied by Timothy Snyders of
says that this approach aims to “kickstart that there has been experimentation with Truform Landscape Architects
backyard biodiversity, fostering a richer Renosterveld species that are not generally Photos supplied by Nadia Roussouw Public
and more sustainable local environment. available for use in landscaping projects. Relations n

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