Friends of Durbanville Parks which incorporated Friends of Boland Park in November 2024 is a community-led group working to protect and restore our local green spaces. We focus on conservation, indigenous planting, and sustainable park management, while also creating opportunities for people to connect with nature.
Whether it’s through hands-on restoration, educational events or simply appreciating the biodiversity around us, we believe that everyone has a role to play. For the latest updates and community discussions, join our Facebook group and our Mailing list.
Our current efforts are focused on enhancing and preserving these key green spaces:
|
The Journey of Boland Park and the Rise of Friends of Durbanville Parks
In 2023, Boland Park was a quiet green space with so much untapped potential. Today, it stands as a vibrant, flourishing hub of community, conservation, and creativity. Thanks to the tireless efforts of local volunteers, donors, and our passionate team.
We’ve transformed Boland Park from a simple play area into a deeply loved, ecologically rich park, and our work hasn’t stopped there. We’ve officially expanded our efforts to five additional parks in Durbanville and proudly embraced our new name: Friends of Durbanville Parks.
What's bloomed at Boland Park?
- Tree Donation Drive: Through our "Donate a Tree" initiative, individuals and families have planted a legacy in Boland Park, helping us build resilience as older trees near the end of their life
- Community Weeding Initiative: Every second week, our garden team joins forces with local volunteers to keep invasive weeds at bay. We've also introduced a dedicated self-weeding block, clearly marked and accessible. Where anyone can stop by and lend a hand at their convenience. Whether you're joining a scheduled session or pulling weeds during your morning walk, every contribution helps. Anyone is welcome to join: weeding tools, guidance, and good company provided! P.S. please bring along your own sunhat, gloves, and water.
- Bench & Plaque Donations: Thoughtfully placed benches and plaques now dot the park, offering moments of rest, reflection, and remembrance.
- 1.2m ClearVu Fence Installation: To protect this precious space, we installed a sturdy ClearVu fence, enhancing safety for families, dog-walkers, and little explorers.
- Quarterly Newsletter: Stay connected with park progress, upcoming events, and heartwarming community stories through our seasonal updates.
- Upgraded Signage: We’ve installed new informative boards that highlight the park’s biodiversity, and we’re currently rolling out even more updated signage to help everyone appreciate the beauty and complexity of the space.
- We Now Have a Bank Account: Making a donation to support the parks is easier than ever and every cent helps us do more.
Connect with Friends of Boland Park on our Facebook Group and Instagram
Seasonal Cycles of Beauty
In summer, we implement a strategic mow approach, preserving the no-mow zones where bulbs rest beneath the soil.
In winter, geophytes begin to emerge, and by spring, Boland Park is transformed into a flower-filled spectacle; a magical display of colour and life.
Restoring Durbanville’s Natural Heritage
Durbanville once formed part of the critically endangered Swartland Shale Renosterveld, Swartland Silcrete Renosterveld and Cape Flats Sand Fynbos ecosystems; three of the most threatened vegetation types in South Africa. With over 90% lost to agriculture and urban development, every pocket of natural space we protect matters deeply.
Through restoration plantings, indigenous propagation, and conservation-focused education, we’re helping Durbanville reconnect with its natural roots.
Whether you’re digging into the soil with us, donating a tree, or simply enjoying the shade on a bench, you are part of something meaningful. Together, we are shaping not just a park, but a community rooted in care, restoration, and hope.
Our Commitment to Durbanville Parks
We want everyone to enjoy Durbanville Parks, keep them beautiful, and manage them well. Here's how we do it:
We advocate for all park users, ensuring their voices are heard. A key part part of our missions is to safeguard the parks from harm, particularly by monitoring their boundaries to prevent shrinkage.
The parks hold historical, cultural, and social importance, which we actively highlight. We're dedicated to showcasing Durbanville Parks' incredible natural heritage, especially the three critically endangered plant types found here: Swartland Shale Renosterveld, Cape Flats Sand Fynbos, and Swartland Silcrete Renosterveld.
To keep tabs on the parks, we monitor observations on iNaturalist, especially to ensure any endangered areas are protected. We also work hard to restore, protect, and preserve the parts of Durbanville Parks where these endangered plants grow. Our efforts include contributing to conservation and education projects, planting local fynbos, and observing the wildlife it attracts.
We also get involved in official planning when new developments might affect the parks or the areas around them. And we help improve and maintain the park's facilities. Ultimately, we're all about creating a safe and secure outdoor space in Durbanville Parks for our whole community to enjoy.
For general inquiries, email us at connect@parks.org.za