De Waal Park
De Waal Park – heritage-listed public garden in Oranjezicht, ideal for picnics, dog walking, kids’ play and free summer concerts, framed by Table Mountain.
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De Waal Park, Molteno Road, CBD, Cape Town, South Africa
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De Waal Park, Molteno Road, CBD, Cape Town, South Africa
📍 Location & Origins Located on Molteno and Camp Street in the Oranjezicht/Gardens area, De Waal Park was opened in 1895 and was Cape Town’s first public park after the Company’s Gardens
The park is named for Mayor David Christiaan de Waal, who championed its establishment and planted thousands of trees
🌳 Landscape & Features Stretching over approximately 7 ha, De Waal Park is lush with over 120 tree species — including jacaranda, stone pine, swamp cypress, and Erythrina Caffra — many labeled for guided botanical walks
Historic features include an Art Nouveau gate, a Victorian fountain (installed 1898), and an Edwardian bandstand relocated from Green Point in 1905
👨👩👧 Activities & Community Use The park hosts free Sunday afternoon concerts during summer—from classical to folk—and draws locals for picnic gatherings
A central playground with slides, swings, jungle gym and carousel makes it family-friendly; birthday picnics are common in summer
De Waal is popular among dog owners: it's fenced, mostly off-leash, and features a shallow pond around the fountain where dogs splash and play
🔒 Maintenance & Safety Maintained by the Friends of De Waal Park, formed in 2008, the volunteer group works with the city to ensure the gardens, benches, toilets and fountain areas are clean, repaired, and secure. Poo-bag stations and rangers enhance dog-manager responsibility and park safety
⏰ Hours & Visitor Info Open year-round. Hours: Sept–Mar (06:30–20:00) and Apr–Aug (07:00–18:00)
Entrance is free; donations to the Friends association are welcome.
✅ Highlights at a Glance Feature What Makes It Special Botanical breadth Over 120 tree species with informative signage Historic charm Heritage bandstand, vintage fountain, Art Nouveau gates Family & community hub Playground, free concerts, dog-friendly lawns Urban green oasis Secluded tranquility beneath Table Mountain’s shadow Vibrant local involvement Well-maintained park thanks to active volunteer stewards
💡 Visitor Tips Pack a blanket and picnic; set up periodically near the fountain or by shade trees. Check the Friends of De Waal Park website or social media for upcoming concerts and guided tree walks. Bring shoes or be mindful when walking dogs — some visitors report unpicked dog waste
Ideal for a relaxing stroll, playtime with kids or furry friends, or simply reading a book under leafy canopies.
In Summary:
De Waal Park is a beloved heritage green space in Cape Town’s City Bowl—a tranquil retreat rich in history, nature, and activities for families and dog lovers alike. With live concerts, botanical variety, and community-effort upkeep, it’s a local oasis with timeless appeal.
📍 Location & Origins Located on Molteno and Camp Street in the Oranjezicht/Gardens area, De Waal Park was opened in 1895 and was Cape Town’s first public park after the Company’s Gardens
The park is named for Mayor David Christiaan de Waal, who championed its establishment and planted thousands of trees
🌳 Landscape & Features Stretching over approximately 7 ha, De Waal Park is lush with over 120 tree species — including jacaranda, stone pine, swamp cypress, and Erythrina Caffra — many labeled for guided botanical walks
Historic features include an Art Nouveau gate, a Victorian fountain (installed 1898), and an Edwardian bandstand relocated from Green Point in 1905
👨👩👧 Activities & Community Use The park hosts free Sunday afternoon concerts during summer—from classical to folk—and draws locals for picnic gatherings
A central playground with slides, swings, jungle gym and carousel makes it family-friendly; birthday picnics are common in summer
De Waal is popular among dog owners: it's fenced, mostly off-leash, and features a shallow pond around the fountain where dogs splash and play
🔒 Maintenance & Safety Maintained by the Friends of De Waal Park, formed in 2008, the volunteer group works with the city to ensure the gardens, benches, toilets and fountain areas are clean, repaired, and secure. Poo-bag stations and rangers enhance dog-manager responsibility and park safety
⏰ Hours & Visitor Info Open year-round. Hours: Sept–Mar (06:30–20:00) and Apr–Aug (07:00–18:00)
Entrance is free; donations to the Friends association are welcome.
✅ Highlights at a Glance Feature What Makes It Special Botanical breadth Over 120 tree species with informative signage Historic charm Heritage bandstand, vintage fountain, Art Nouveau gates Family & community hub Playground, free concerts, dog-friendly lawns Urban green oasis Secluded tranquility beneath Table Mountain’s shadow Vibrant local involvement Well-maintained park thanks to active volunteer stewards
💡 Visitor Tips Pack a blanket and picnic; set up periodically near the fountain or by shade trees. Check the Friends of De Waal Park website or social media for upcoming concerts and guided tree walks. Bring shoes or be mindful when walking dogs — some visitors report unpicked dog waste
Ideal for a relaxing stroll, playtime with kids or furry friends, or simply reading a book under leafy canopies.
In Summary:
De Waal Park is a beloved heritage green space in Cape Town’s City Bowl—a tranquil retreat rich in history, nature, and activities for families and dog lovers alike. With live concerts, botanical variety, and community-effort upkeep, it’s a local oasis with timeless appeal.