A Community Vision for Princess Vlei

Over the past ten years, the Princess Vlei Forum has worked with the community to grow the vision for a nature and heritage park at Princess Vlei. This has been done through interviews, workshops, surveys and consultations. Below are are some of the key ideas that have emerged. This vision is an organic and dynamic guide - with each new improvement, the Forum goes back to the community for a response to fine tune further developments. The Forum depends on feedback and engagement from community members, and all comments and suggestions are welcome. 
In 2014, this vision was consolidated into a document which was a winning project proposal for the World Design Capital 2014 campaign, and was  presented to the City in March of that year.
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  • Fynbos rehabilitation
    ​    Centre for rehabilitating our green spaces To co-ordinate all our efforts to dress the Princess by planting fynbos and trees, preparing soil, and cleaning litter; and to help people restore and beautify other open spaces in our communities
  • Cultural and environmental education centre
    A place to learn about our history, our Khoisan heritage, our wetland ecology, and all the living plants and animals at Princess Vlei.
  • Khoisan memorial
    To honour our South Africa’s first people, and teach us how they lived
  • Outdoor market
    For locally produced craft, fresh vegetables and food.
  • Facilities
    Specialised facilities for baptisms, sailing and other user groups
  • Braai and picnic areas
    Upgraded areas to enjoy braais and picnics with families
  • New play park for children
    An eco-friendly sturdy play park where our children can get strong and healthy while having fun; and outdoor gym equipment for the young at heart.
  • Ecoducts
    Bridges so that pedestrians, cyclists and animals can cross the M5 motorway safely
  • Amphitheatre
    For the performance of sunset concerts and dramas before the exquisite backdrop of the Vlei framed by Table Mountain and Constantiaberg
  • Walkway around Princess Vlei
    Where we can walk for approximately 5.5 km around the Vlei, and enjoy picnic spots along the way; Include a bridge over the northern canal.
  • Hiking trail to Elephant’s Eye Cave
    Start at the Princess Vlei, follow the waterways across our divided city and learn how people have shaped nature through history, then admire the magnificent view of the vlei from the Elephant’s Eye Cave.
  • Two day hiking Trail to Macassar Dunes
    Explore the wetlands of the False Bay Ecology Park, enjoy the rich birdlife, spend a night in hostel or township B ’n B to see how different communities are getting involved in and benefiting from nature conservation