Water-Wise Spray Parks in Cape Town

Stay cool this summer at one of the city’s five environmentally friendly aquatic hotspots

Last Updated: 4 October 2016

Cape Town’s summers are hot, with a capital H. And now, thanks to our pretty city, we can stay extra cool this season – while saving water (NB!) – at one of the city’s water-wise spray parks. Hooray!

Situated in Khayelitsha, Nyanga, Valhalla Park, Ocean View and Scottsville, the new water-wise facilities are safe, inclusive and the ideal recreational spaces for Mother City residents to come together and enjoy staying cool in the summer heat.

Each area consists of a series of spray features and structures that create a fun and exciting play environment for children by means of different spray nozzles. One of the most popular features found at the parks are the overhead buckets. These containers slowly fill with water until, without warning, overturn and drench those standing below. There are also interactive elements in the form of water guns and cannons that little ones can use to spray their friends with water.

"In light of the strict water restrictions, I would also like to assure residents that the spray parks use much less water than swimming pools. This water is re-circulated through the spray park after being treated through a process similar to that of a swimming pool filtration system," explains the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services, Councillor Anda Ntsodo.

“We’re aware that water is a scarce resource and have therefore committed to exploring innovative designs for water-based recreation from a sustainability perspective. The ability to turn spray parks on and off easily and the recirculation of water makes them water-wise facilities.”

Seeking to get the entire family involved and physically active as well as to promote the enjoyment of quality recreational time together, the various parks have been designed in such a way that they encourage participants to run, jump, splash and shout for “good, old-fashioned fun, together”. These parks will also help to stimulate children’s imaginations and provide an element of surprise that delights all.

What’s more, there is also a toddler’s section at each park. Here the soft water spray is unintimidating and will gently wet their faces, getting them used to becoming ‘water babies’. There are also shaded seating areas overlooking the spray area where parents can relax while watching their kids play.

“We appeal to the community to help us to take care of their recreational spaces so that many more generations can enjoy this wonderful social space. As the city, we do all we can to provide communities with quality services; however, communities also need to take ownership of their facilities and look after the spray parks,” concludes Councillor Ntsodo.

“I would also like to encourage the community to make maximum use of these facilities that the city provides for their enjoyment. We expect that the chance to cool off safely in these truly imaginative and fun spaces will attract more children to our community centres and sports complexes.”

Locations:

Ocean View	Corner Milky Way and Aries Way	021 783 2793
Nyanga	Great Dutch Street (close to Nyanga East Police Station)	021 444 9922
Valhalla Park	Angela Street, Valhalla Park	021 934 9116
Scottsville	Dahlia Street (Kraaifontein)	021 987 0533
Khayelitsha	Desmond Tutu Sport Complex (travel using Lansdowne Road until Shoprite in Makhaza the facility is behind Shoprite)	021 365 0922

The Spray Parks have been designed to cater for various age groups, from infant and toddler to teen and even adults. The water-wise areas are also able to be used by the physically impaired or disabled, providing universal access and use to users. They're ideal facilities for those who do not know how to swim, or have a fear of swimming as they provide a water-area that is safe, enjoyable, refreshing and fun.

Cost: Free

Opening Hours: Daily during the school holidays | Thereafter in the afternoons and over weekends

NOTE: Facility managers may choose not to switch on the spray park on days when the weather is bad or when there are very few users present. Parents are encouraged to check with their local community centres as to when the spray parks will be turned on.

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Source and Image: The City of Cape Town

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