Cape Town: The Recreation and Parks Department of the City of Cape Town broke ground to mark the start of construction of a new trail at the Princess Vlei Park which will allow visitors to make optimal use of the breath-taking natural environment.
The construction work is anticipated to be completed by Dec 2025, but further 12 months of maintenance will be required for the areas to be rehabilitated during the construction, with a final completion date of Dec 2026.
Reportedly, the trail construction has been divided into sections for efficient construction implementation and will act as milestones for measurement and progress.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham said that at this moment many areas are inaccessible and once the new trail circles the vlei is completed, and it will create more space for residents and visitors to walk and run, while also engaging with the natural environment.
Higham further stated that the trail will provide a respite from the urban environment and will provide visitors an opportunity to unwind, engage with nature, exercise and socialise. This will provide great benefits to the immediate community and will look forward to welcome visitors from across the city to the park which is a great example of the investment by the city, in the very unique environmentally sensitive areas and public open spaces.
Princess Vlei is a breeding site for the Endangered Western Leopard Toad (known as Amietophrynus Pantherinus) and also contains remnants of the critically endangered Cape Flats Sand Fynbos vegetation and is a home to endangered fynbos species including the Marsh Heath (Erica verticillata) and the Strawberry Spiderhead (Serruria foeniculacea).
Therefore, the Department ensured that a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment was completed during the planning stages. The rehabilitation of sensitive vegetation will also be completed as part of the trail construction and will be done in collaboration with the Princess Vlei Forum.
Once completed, after that the trail will enable the increased accessibility, encouraging more visitors to use the recreational facilities as well as assisting with the educational activities at the Vlei.
Moreover, the trail will allow walking, hiking and running. The cyclists will be able to traverse the trail on certain sections, and will not be used primarily as a cycling route. Off-road four-wheelers and cycling at night is not permitted, as these can be hazardous to natural vegetation and the Western Leopard Toad, which are endangered amphibian species.
A regular Saturday market on the Eastern Shore of the Vlei and the trail will allow visitors to the market to experience the shore conditions and natural vegetation. An interpretative signage has been included as part of the trail to acknowledge and provide education information on the historical and ecological importance of the Vlei.
It will also include resting spaces with seating and litter bins, and a number of boardwalks with bridges where people can get closer to the eater’s edge.
Ward Councillor – Kevin Southgate said that the project has been in making for years and expressed that he is thrilled to see that it is finally taking shape. Princess Vlei holds deep cultural and ecological significance and this trail will create more opportunities for the community to connect with and appreciate the space.
The collaboration between the City of Cape Town and the Princess Vlei Forum along with the dedication of local stakeholders remained instrumental in bringing the vision to life.
“This initiative is a testament to what can be achieved through long-term partnerships and I look forward to seeing residents and visitors enjoy tis incredible natural asset,” concluded Southgate.