Cape Town: The Recreation and Parks Department of the City of Cape Town has officially opened the new R10.2 million Princess Vlei trail. This unlocked the important natural public space for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham joined the Department along with the residents and the Princess Vlei Forum to officially open the new trail. Construction on the R10.2 million circulatory trail started last year and formed part of the City’s ongoing investment in accessible high-quality public open spaces.
The 4,23 km trail allowed visitors to the Princess Vlei Park to make optimal use of the breath-taking natural environment and includes resting spaces with seating and litter bins, along with a number of boardwalks and bridges where people can get closer to the water’s edge. The trail created more space for residents and visitors to walk and run, while also engaged with the natural environment.
Cllr Francine Higham stated that Princess Vlei is a remarkable natural asset that offers residents an opportunity: to get active and reconnect with nature. The new trail unlocks more of the vlei for public enjoyment, allowing visitors to experience its beauty, biodiversity and sense of tranquillity in a safe and accessible way. Benefits for the immediate community and visitors from across the city include a space for exercise and socialising, mental restoration and community connection.
She thanked everyone involved, who made this project a success and proved the value of constructive partnerships. The team included Ward Councillor Kevin Southgate, the Princess Vlei Forum, community organisations, residents and the City.
Higham further encouraged residents from across Cape Town to visit, explore, enjoy the trail and help them to care for this incredible special place for future generations.
Explore Princess Vlei
Princess Vlei is a breeding site for the endangered Western Leopard Toad (Amietophrynus pantherinus). The site contains remnants of the critically endangered Cape Flats Sand Fynbos vegetation and is home to endangered fynbos species including the Marsh Heath (Erica verticillata) and the Strawberry Spiderhead (Serruria foeniculacea).
The rehabilitation of sensitive vegetation formed part of the trail construction and was done in collaboration with the Princess Vlei Forum. The trail allows walking, hiking and running. Cyclists will be able to traverse the trail on certain sections, but it will not be used primarily as a cycling route.
Off-road four-wheelers and cycling at night will not be permitted, as these can be hazardous to natural vegetation and the Western Leopard Toad, which is an endangered amphibian species.
There is 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. Interpretive signage has been included as part of the trail to acknowledge and provide educational information on the historical and ecological importance of the Vlei.