Mayoral Committee Member 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 Princess Vlei trail.
Construction on the R10,2 million circulatory trail started last year, and forms part of the City’s ongoing investment in accessible high-quality public open spaces.
The 4,23 km trail allows 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, and a number of boardwalks and bridges where people can get closer to the water’s edge.
The trail creates more space for residents and visitors to walk and run, while also engaging with the natural environment.
‘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.
‘Thank you to everyone involved who made this project a success and proved the value of constructive partnerships including Ward Councillor Kevin Southgate, the Princess Vlei Forum, community organisations, residents and our City. I encourage residents from across Cape Town to visit, explore enjoy the trail and help us care for this incredible special place for future generations,’ said Councillor Higham.
Princess Vlei is a breeding site for the endangered Western Leopard Toad (Amietophrynus pantherinus) – see photo below. 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.
The new trail at Princess Vlei was opened with a ribbon cutting and enjoyed by many residents.
WHAT: Princess Vlei Trail
WHERE: Princess Vlei, Prince George Drive, Grassy Park, Cape Town 7941
INFO: Princess Vlei website | Cape Town Green Map
