Green Point Urban Park Water Wheel
Photo Caption: Start your Saturday right with a walk or run next to this beautiful waterwheel. Do you know where it is in Cape Town?
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Photo by @reflectionsbym
Located next to the renowned Cape Town Stadium is a safe, vibrant and busy people’s park — the Green Point Urban Park. The park covers an area of 10.5 hectares, divided into scenic wetlands area, a biodiversity garden, a nursery, a tea garden, two play parks for kids, an art park for special events, and a fitness park.
The area has always been used for recreational purposes. Over the years, the park has changed a lot, influenced by the constant introduction of developments in the area.
It was the redevelopment of the Green Point Common in 2010 which marked the transformation of what was previously a dysfunctional public open space into one of the best free community parks in Cape Town. The park opened to the public on January 2011.
Biodiversity Trail and Wetland Walk
The park is surrounded by a biodiversity garden filled with local flora and fauna, boasting more than 300 endemic species. (Remember you can’t pick flowers in the park) There are also beautiful animal sculptures, a Khoi display, interactive features, demonstration gardens and a lake with a beautiful waterwheel and ducks pottering about and sea gulls stopping by as well, adding to the natural beauty of the park.
Another highlight of the Green Point Urban Park is the wetlands which attracts a wide variety of insects and other creatures. The fresh and clean water that streams through the park flow directly from Table Mountain. There are also many water birds frequenting the area, along with a diversity of wetland flora. But you can’t swim in the park.
Fitness with Spectacular Scenery
The Green Point Urban Park also offers a fitness park for cycling, outdoor training and gym. The fitness park is home to a range of outdoor fitness facilities in its outdoor gym.
There are also many wide paths in the park that are perfect for running, walking, or cycling. Regular park runs are often conducted. The fresh air and spectacular natural scenery will definitely make your workout more fun and engaging.
Ideal Place For The Kids
The Green Point Urban Park also caters to the needs of the little ones. There are two different play areas to choose from. The fenced Tot-Lot Play Area is suitable for ages 1 to 6 and the Adventure Play Park is for older kids from age 7 to 16. The park sees to it that the kids can enjoy a safe playing environment with age-appropriate equipment. You must supervise your children at all times.
Perfect Picnic Destination for the Whole Family
The park has plenty of pretty picnic spots which include covered picnic areas and shady lawns. The rest of the family can relax and enjoy a picnic while the little ones enjoy the play areas. Dogs are welcome in the park, except in the Biodiversity Garden. Dogs must be on a leash at all times. No loud music or alcohol allowed. Don’t forget to pack your picnic basket! Or why not order one from Dial-a-Picnic?
The park opens at 7:00 am and closes at 7:00 pm daily. Entry into the park is free.
With its great proximity to the city centre and the beach, together with wonderful views of the mountains — Green Point Urban Park is definitely one of the most interesting spots to visit in Cape Town!