Project to revive Muizenberg Park
An anonymous donor is funding efforts by a group of volunteers to revive key attractions at Muizenberg Park.
Exactly how much the restoration project by the Friends of Muizenberg Park (FOMP) will cost, no one is saying, although the group’s chairperson, Nicci Giles, anticipates it will run well into six figures.
The project will restore Peck’s Stream and the pond behind the old clubhouse, and indigenous fynbos will replace exotics.
According to Ms Giles, Peck's Stream was named after the Peck Brothers, some of the earliest commercial settlers in Muizenberg.
Simon Peck was responsible for farming the land that is now recognised as Peck’s Valley, while his brother ran The Inn, situated where the Cinnabar stands today.
"To achieve our goal of preserving and enhancing the park, community involvement has been essential. Throughout the years, we've arranged picnics, fynbos fairs, concerts in the park and many other events," said Ms Giles, adding that the Muizenberg Improvement District and the Muizenberg Historical Society had helped to work on a plan to restore the park.
FOMP member John Venn said exotic plants would be cleared for the reintroduction of wetland fynbos.
"This important effort aims to restore the Cape lowland freshwater wetland, a critically endangered ecosystem in the Western Cape," he said, but noted that while the work would clear the banks of the stream and surrounding ponds, it would not alter the course of the waterway.
"Our objective is to replant indigenous flora before the Cape winter begins. We will regularly monitor the water quality to ensure the stream's ongoing health. Our goal is to preserve it as a vibrant ecosystem for future generations to enjoy."
The FOMP struck a deal with the City at the end of 2023, outlining how they would work together to look after the park
Mayoral committee member for community services and health Patricia van der Ross said the City’s recreation and parks department welcomed the initiative.
“The removal of invasive species in the stream contributes to improved water quality and flow. Alien vegetation tends to abstract more water from the system, unlike indigenous species, which will be planted as replacements to achieve restoration.”
The City has given the green light to phase one of the project, but Mr Van der Ross said subsequent phases would still need environmental and heritage approval.
The park holds many happy memories for Claire Pritchard who lived in Muizenberg for most of her life before moving to the UK in 1998.
"I used to pick watercress with my mom here many years ago,“ she said.
Roy Philips remembers having his wedding photos taken in the park after marrying Linda Wyndham, the Methodist Church organist, in December 1978, and he said he was happy to hear about the restoration work.
"We picked the park for our wedding photos because it had so many picturesque spots. Back then, there was a turquoise bench, a row of red canna flowers, a bridge, and a pond. It was a beautiful spot along the lively Main Road.
