The Keurboom Park Association was formed in May 2009

About the park

Keurboom Park, nestled in the heart of Cape Town, South Africa, is a captivating oasis that offers respite from the bustling city. This enchanting green space is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, drawing them with its tranquil ambiance and natural beauty. The park boasts an array of towering trees, vibrant flower beds, and lush grassy expanses, creating a picturesque setting that invites leisurely strolls and peaceful picnics.

As visitors meander along its winding pathways, they are treated to breathtaking views of the iconic Table Mountain, which provides a majestic backdrop to the park. Keurboom Park is also home to a diverse range of bird species, making it a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts. Whether seeking solace, enjoying outdoor activities, or simply basking in nature's splendor, Keurboom Park is a cherished sanctuary that embodies the captivating charm of Cape Town.

History of the Association

In mid 2003, Peter King read a book called "Bringing Nature Back to Your Garden" wherein the authors noted that "it will be difficult to find too many of these trees there amongst the host of exotics". In fact, at that time there were no Keurbooms in Keurboom Park. About the same time, a former Mayor of Cape Town invited residents to write in with ideas for improvements within the City. Peter wrote in pointing out the absence of Keurboom Trees in Keurboom Park.

In September 2003, the local office of City Parks contacted Peter to indicate that they would plant 12 Keurboom Trees on Arbour Day. These together with one donated by Peter were ceremonially planted by school children and Councillor Ian Iversen.

Peter had agreed to look after the trees. Initially the water had to be carried in a bucket from the toilet block. The planting of the first trees elicited a lot of interest from users of the park. Peter contacted the Newlands office of City Parks and persuaded them to supply a number of trees for planting in Arbour week in 2004 again with the promise that we would look after the trees. Peter managed to persuade City Parks to extend the water supply system in the area between the pink path and the river. In Arbour Week 2004, some fifty trees were planted with a large percentage of these being donated by users of the park and the rest supplied by the City.

During Arbour Week 2005, 2006 and 2007 the City supplied trees, supports and tarred twine to support the trees. Numerous donations of trees and money to buy trees helped swell the number of trees planted to over 200.

With a change in the Ward boundaries, Alderman Owen Kinahan took over from Ian Iversen as our Ward Councillor. It was suggested that a Friends Organisation be formed to act as a contact between the users of the park and the City Council.

While working with the trees Peter met Justine Thornton and others and together they started the preparations to hold the introductory meeting held on 27th November 2008. Here Alderman Owen Kinahan explained the purpose of forming a Friends Organisation. An Interim Committee consisting of Peter King (Chairman), Roy Andrew, Suzie Brownlie, Liz McDaid, Rina Nel and Justine Thornton was formed. During their term they drew up a Constitution, opened a bank account and developed a plan of action for improving the park.

The Inaugural Meeting of the Keurboom Park Association was held on 21st May 2009 where the Constitution was adopted by the attendees of the meeting. The Interim Committee was re-elected with Peter King as Chairman and Justine Thornton as Treasurer. Committee meetings were held during the next 12 months.

The current committee consists of Phil Flockton, Fay Linder, Gill Grose, Jonathan Sydow and Justine Thornton.

FAQs and Rules

  • Yes. Dogs under control may run free over the whole area except the enclosed play area and the area around the swings, seesaw, etc.

    We do earnestly request owners of dogs to pick up their dogs' poo and place in the poo bin. Please feel free to make use of the plastic bag dispensers should you not have your own bags.

  • We understand that it is safer to ride a bicycle in the park that on public roads, however we do ask that cyclists give way to persons walking in the park, particularly older persons.

  • Keurboom Park is a public park and therefore operates under the rules and conditions set out by the City of Cape Town. In addition to walkers (with or without dogs) cyclists and joggers, the park also offers members of the public a space for parties.

    Here are some guidelines when intending to use the park for a party:

    • If you intend having more than 50 people, permission from the Parks and Forests Department needs to be obtained Justine Thornton at info@keurboompark.org.za will forward the relevant number to you on request.

    • When using the park for a party, the City of Cape Town bye-laws as per the pictograms on the boards at all entrances, are applicable. Furthermore, no play equipment that requires a generator is permitted, e.g. jumping castle, ball ponds etc. In addition, no alcohol, no music is allowed and no laser tags/guns/nerf parties are permitted. No business run parties are permitted. These rules are in place in order to be considerate to other park users and residents living close to the park.

    • NO FOIL TYPE CONFETTI OR RIBBONS. These DO NOT biodegrade and simply litter the park for years to come.

    • No area may be cordoned off and other park users and children may not be denied access to the area in which you are having a party. It remains a public park. However, other park users tend to respect the space of those having parties and do not encroach. Also, please take into account that the park is a free running area for dogs.

    • No structures (i.e. tents) may be erected. However, you may bring tables, chairs and umbrellas.

    • No vehicles may be brought into the park.

    • NO FIRES or gas cookers are allowed.

    • At the end of the party, we kindly request that you take all your refuse with you and remove all balloons. As the park has only eight black wheelie bins which must hold the park rubbish for an entire week, these are therefore not able to accommodate all the rubbish