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There was lively debate at the Princess Vlei Forum General meeting, convened to discuss the City’s draft Conceptual Development Framework for the Greater Princess Vlei Conservation Area.
Approximately 40 people from a number of different organisations and interest groups attended the meeting, held at LOFOB in Grassy Park on 27 August. The meeting was part of a public participation process to get feedback from the community on the City’s plan. It followed an Open Day, held by the City at Retreat Civic Centre on August 20, to present the plan to members of the public. The meeting introduced by PVF committee member Gary Stewart. This was followed by a presentation tracing the development of the vision for Princess Vlei, from the Dressing the Princess Project led by Kelvin Cochrane and SANBI, through the Imagine Princess Vlei campaign to the present day. The vision that was developed by the community through various processes, was captured by the Princess Vlei Forum in a document entitled Imagine Princess Vlei: The Community Vision. This was presented to Deputy Mayor Ian Nielson on 22 March 2014, and was a key document in guiding the City’s Draft framework. Malcolm Campbell from the PVF management committee presented the City plan. This was followed by group discussions, during which the plan was discussed in depth. During group discussion, the following points were raised:
After the group discussion, Ward Councillor Kevin Southgate explained that some money was available on the 2015/16 Ward budget for improvements at Princess Vlei. Various proposals were put forward. The one that received most support was for a children’s playpark. This proposal will go forward to the Ward Council. Download the full report on the meeting Download the City's Draft Conceptual Development Framework The public can send comments on the Framework directly to Bradley Burger: email [email protected]
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Transforming trash to fly our dreams The Junk gatherer uses her bird staff to attract the discarded and reusable detritus of the world. The bird will find uses for these things that other humans love only for a moment... This is the inspiration behind this year’s Flight of Dream’s Parade, to take place in Grassy Park on Saturday 26 September. Sixty school children have been giving up their Saturdays to create puppets for the parade, which is organised by the Princess Vlei Forum to create awareness about the birdlife and other natural life at Princess Vlei. This year the parade also aims to create awareness about pollution, and the litter that clogs the vlei and its surroundings. This pollution is unsightly and poses a major threat to the wildlife at the vlei. To highlight this issue, the puppets have been created from discarded plastic bottles and other recycled materials, by learners from Lotus High, Hyde Park Primary and John Graham Primary. The parade will feature a performance of the Khoi legend “The Great Bird Race” by students from Lotus High. The performance will incorporate puppets, movement and music. The parade will move from LOFOB in first Road, through Grassy Park to Princess Vlei, with performances at the Grassy Park Library (2.30pm), Perth Park (3pm), and Princess Vlei (3.30pm). After the parade, we will be planting 15 Erica verticillata donated by the City of Cape Town. This plant once abounded in the area, and is the heath after which Heathfield was named, but is now extinct in the wild. Every year in September, Heritage Month, the Centre for Conservation Education concentrates on a different geographical area. This year, it was celebrating the heritage of 28 schools in the area around Princess Vlei. This donation is made on behalf of those schools to celebrate their connection to Princess Vlei, and contributes to 'putting the heath back in Heathfield'. All are encouraged to follow the parade, watch the performances, and witness the wonderful creative talent of our local school learners. Families are also invited to bring a picnic to enjoy at Princess Vlei after the event. School children or teachers who would like to take part in the parade can contact us at [email protected].  Princess Vlei was a hive of activity on Saturday 29th August, when the Peninsula Orienteering Club (PENOC) held the first ever orienteering event at the Vlei. This was at the invitation of the Princess Vlei Forum, and with the blessing of the City Council.
In PENOC’s own words, “Orienteering is an exciting outdoor adventure sport. It involves walking or running while navigating around a course using a detailed map and sometimes a compass. “The aim is to navigate in sequence between a set of control points, deciding on the best route to complete the course in the quickest time. It does not matter how young, old or fit you are, as you can run, walk or jog the course and progress at your own pace. “Orienteering events are held anywhere from remote forest and countryside to urban parks and school playgrounds. It’s a great sport for runners, joggers and walkers who want to improve their navigation skills or for anyone who loves the outdoors.” 89 participants set off at 11.30 on Saturday, the seasoned orienteers on the longer course and the novices, including families with young children, on the shorter course. A group of adult Scout leaders used it as one of the events in their weekend of training. Younger Scouts, learners from John Graham Primary School in Plumstead and other young people participated. Members of PENOC had set up the course earlier in the morning, and when the race began the area between Princess Vlei and Little Princess Vlei was all action. Even the spring daisies and other fynbos delights appeared as if by magic on the dunes, cheering the orienteers on their way, and there was warmth in the air. An hour after the start the participants were making for the finish and handing in their cards. Soon the winners were announced and the prizes distributed, the event ending with a great buzz as participants and spectators discussed the their experiences and enjoyed refreshments at the finish line. The 13 organisers and helpers from PENOC and the Princess Vlei Forum ensured a happy and trouble-free event. They look forward to holding further events of this nature in the precincts of Princess Vlei. See www.penoc.co.za and www.princessvlei.org for more information. |
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