WORLD DESIGN CAPITAL CAPE TOWN 2014
Co-design workshops
Wards
2, 10 and 22
What and where?
Improving parks in Ravensmead, Parow and Uitsig. The workshop was held in the Bellville Civic
Centre.
When?
22 October 2013
Why?
Public open space and parks can be a vital asset to a community, providing an outdoor space for
healthy activities and recreation. This workshop looked at three public open spaces:
 Ackers Street Park (Ravensmead)
 Trim Park (Parow)
 Juniper Park (Uitsig)
They are all at various stages of development and in very different – even contrasting – areas, with
specific challenges and requirements.
Who?
There were more than 90 people at the workshop.
A high proportion of participants were people from the area (56), while 25 were City of Cape Town
representatives. Twelve designers participated.
What emerged?
Design principles
Public open spaces can be made into user-friendly parks which add great value to the local
community. There are some important guidelines to ensure that the redesign and development of
public parks in communities such as Uitsig, Ravensmead and Parow meet community’s needs.
The design should be practical, addressing specifically the challenge of safety and security. Clever
use of lighting, fencing and visibility corridors can help to reduce the incidence of ‘dark corners’ where
criminal activity can go unchecked. In particular, equipment should be designed, built and secured to
discourage vandalism.
The park should also be safely accessible for families and children, and design should consider traffic
calming measures and security fencing where necessary. It should be aesthetically pleasing, and a
pleasant place for community members to spend their time. Various considerations can contribute to
a beautiful park, including greening (grass, trees and plants), and simple, attractive, well-located play
equipment.
The layout of the park should include a variety of clearly defined recreational spaces catering to
different needs including picnics, formal and informal sport, concerts, and opportunities for school
involvement.
In particular, there needs to be a concerted effort to prevent illegal dumping or vandalism. In order to
prevent wastage of energy, materials, space, natural resources, social resources, and time, any
construction should be cost-effective, and use eco-friendly material which contributes to sustainability.
Universal accessibility and inclusivity are important principles, and people of different ages, cultures
and genders should be able to use the park safely. Clearly defined entrances and safe pedestrian
crossings are the start of delivering on this, but deeper involvement of current users and community in
decision-making can help to ensure that the park meets the needs of the local people.
Visions
One vision for each site was presented.
Ackers Street Park, Ravensmead:
The proposal for Ackers Street Park included:
 a focus on a main plaza with a raised stage
 landscaping with pathways and indigenous gardens
 public art including murals and sculptures
 a play area with outdoor gym equipment
 picnic area and benches for relaxing, developed on a disused basketball court
Juniper Park, Uitsig
The proposal included four areas with a focus on natural play (toddler to early teen and primary to
early teen), accessible play (all ages), active play and community space (all ages). Large trees,
lighting, waste bins and hedging, as well as seating, tables and braai facilities, can make this a
pleasant, community space.
Trim Park, Parow
The proposed masterplan includes some infill tree planting, a reservoir pond for water storage,
landscaped earth berms to act as wind shelters, formal lawns, a network of paved pathways and
jogging tracks, pergola structures for shading, and upgraded outdoor gym equipment.
What next?
These visions were presented to the subcouncil.
Project managers for each of the parks have adopted the designs to guide present and future
spending.