With more people getting out and about following the easing of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, the City of Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks Department wants to remind residents to follow the process regarding events in public open spaces (POS).

‘Since the end of the hard lockdown, there has been a steady increase in weddings, markets and commercial events at our parks, without seeking permission first. Flagship park facilities, such as Majik Forest in Bellville, cannot always accommodate such events due to insufficient parking, lack of ablutions, no vehicular entry permitted, confetti and popped balloon waste left behind in a natural setting and so forth. We’re asking residents to remember to apply for permission to use these spaces,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.

The City’s Recreation and Parks Department will monitor public recreation areas to advise, and remind users regarding the conditions for the hiring of parks and zoned POS.

Permission to make use of POS is guided by the City of Cape Town’s Parks Bylaw.

Therefore all applications for events to be held (on zoned POS) must be submitted to the Recreation and Parks Department for assessment, to administrate and control the types of events and activities permitted.

Furthermore, the City’s system of delegation requires that all event application assessments be forwarded to the local sub council for approval.

For approved low impact events, which does not require input from other departments, the Recreation and Parks Department will provide the applicant with a booking confirmation, as proof of permission granted.

Larger, high impact events are administered by the Film and Events Office.

Recreation and Parks is compelled to ensure that active and passive recreational areas on public land are protected and preserved.

‘We ask that residents work with us, comply and submit applications timeously for consent use when planning to host an event in a public park. It is advised to first consult with the local facility manager of a park to check that the venue meets the needs required before submitting a request,’ said Councillor van der Ross.

Events hosted without application may create conflict with other park users and neighbouring residents.

Source: City Of Cape Town