The City of Cape Town has invested R33 million in the Valhalla Park Family Recreational Centre.
This World Design Capital (WDC) 2014 project forms part of a broader investment plan for the area as the City is committed to delivering integrated human settlements where housing and community facilities are developed concurrently to serve the needs of residents.
And it’s proving to be an increasingly popular facility – especially for children who make up nearly 70% of its visitors.
Since the Valhalla Park Family Recreational Centre was opened in December 2013, an average of 292 people have visited the space daily. A record high was seen on the last day of the school holidays, 14 January 2014, with 707 visitors – 364 of whom were children.
This hub, situated on over six hectares of land, includes a full-size synthetic soccer pitch; a clubhouse and community facility; a network of pathways and landscaped areas through the park; a BMX track built as part of a detention pond; playground areas; outdoor gym areas; a spray park; a change room and ablution facilities; a flatlet for a caretaker; outdoor reading rooms for community interaction with library activities; two mini-soccer pitches; two multipurpose courts; and a multitude of landscape architecture features.
The impressive design and multipurpose function of this unique space has earned it a stamp of approval as a WDC 2014 project, as it aims to transform the lives of residents through creating social opportunities within the community.
This hub is a pilot project by the Community Services Directorate whereby the departments of Sport, Recreation and Amenities (SRA) and City Parks will manage the centre as an integrated facility.
SRA partnered with the Spatial Planning and Urban Design Department to design, manage and implement the concept for this recreational hub.
A 2009 Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) report showed that the Valhalla Park area was underserved in terms of sports and recreation amenities. Valhalla Park was thus identified for investment as part of a broader vision, which includes a housing development planned for the area. The recreational centre already borders a library and a school.
The City of Cape Town is committed to delivering integrated human settlements where housing and community facilities are developed concurrently to serve the needs of residents.
The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Special Projects, Alderman Belinda Walker, said that the clustering of community facilities encourages greater use of these amenities, which results in better surveillance and consequently a safer environment.
‘This uniquely inclusive multifunctional hub has added tremendous value to the community. It is a model recreation centre which caters for all ages and interests and has proven immensely popular over the school holidays. It is certainly a place for the whole family to enjoy. We trust that it will continue to be well used and provide a safe and fun space for everyone from toddlers to seniors,’ said Alderman Walker.
The Valhalla Park Recreation Centre is situated on the corner of Angela Road and Valhalla Drive, Valhalla Park, Cape Town.
