Residents have say on plans for family park

Phillippa Hedley, part of the design team.

H

out Bay residents were given an opportunity to view the proposal for the Hout Bay Family Park last week.

The two-day public open house at the Hout Bay library also allowed residents to submit comments on the design of the park, which will be centred on the Hout Bay Sports Complex.

The concept makes provision for active and passive play areas, including an outdoor area for exercise and ball play, a terraced spectator area and multi-purpose hard court facility. A large picnic and play area and additional parking are also included.

Phillippa Hedley, a landscape architect at the City of Cape Town who was involved in the design process, said it was envisaged that construction of the park would begin in the first quarter of next year.

Ward councillor Roberto Quintas said he was “100%” in support of the proposal.

“I believe that this park project will create an integrated space that incorporates multiple sports codes, from skateboarding to basketball and badminton. The possibility of a borehole will allow for the irrigation of the second field, which would also allow for rugby and cricket at certain times of the year as well,” he said.

“This will create a sports hub in the centre of Hout Bay that will be available for all communities to use. I am extremely excited about this proposal.”

He added that he was very pleased with the level of engagement that had been achieved in terms of attendance of people who had engaged with the material.

“Turnout was satisfactory with many interesting suggestions put forward.”