The three-year Paarl Arboretum Climate Smart Park project, including forecourt and green classroom projects, is reaching its final stage of completion and according to Drakenstein Municipality it is set to be completed next month.
The Climate Smart Park project forms part of the original funding agreement between Drakenstein Municipality and City of Neumarkt in Germany who gave a generous contribution of R7,1 million to make the Arboretum upgrade possible.
Work on the Climate Smart Park started in June 2019 and although vandalism was a huge challenge and lockdown halted works, residents are already reaping the rewards of the upgraded pathways and play areas for children.
The 31-ha Arboretum has almost 2 200 trees from six continents, shrubs and no fewer than 600 different species. Additionally, the Climate Smart Park will feature new picnic spots, toilets and the planting of more trees and a general landscaping upgrade. New gates and gateway features were also added. Residents can also enjoy a walk in the spekboom garden.
Gerald Esau, Executive Director of Community Services at the municipality, said in the final stage the forecourt will receive a facelift with the installation of exposed aggregate surfacing with contrasting lines. The upgrade will create a sense of arrival and a great first impression to visitors. She said: “The green classroom which will boast various forms of practical, environmentally friendly displays for educational purposes, will also enhance visitors’ experience of the Climate Smart Park – as a destination with an educational message.”
The Arboretum’s new smart green classroom will offer interactive lessons on rainwater harvesting, grey water recycling, waste recycling, bio-digestion and solar energy and will be used for environmental education and raising awareness.
Once complete, the park will also feature a cycling route, an amphitheatre and an eco-centre. Also planned for the smart river park is the design and roll-out of an interactive mobile app and a brand-new website for the Arboretum.
