History of the tree planting project and the Keurboom Park Association

2003: The idea takes root

In mid-2003, Peter King read a book called Bringing Nature Back to Your Garden. The authors noted that “it will be difficult to find too many of these trees there amongst the host of exotics.” In fact, at that time there were no Keurbooms in Keurboom Park.

About the same time, a former Mayor of Cape Town invited residents to write in with ideas for improvements within the City. Peter wrote in, pointing out the absence of Keurboom trees in Keurboom Park.

First plantings: Arbour Day 2003

In September 2003, the local office of City Parks contacted Peter to say they would plant 12 Keurboom trees on Arbour Day. Together with one tree donated by Peter, they were ceremonially planted by school children and Councillor Iversen.

Peter agreed to look after the trees. At first, water had to be carried in a bucket from the toilet block.

The first trees drew a lot of interest from people using the park. Peter contacted the Newlands office of City Parks and persuaded them to supply more trees for planting in Arbour Week in 2004, again with the promise that volunteers would care for them. Peter also persuaded City Parks to extend the water supply in the area between the pink path and the river.

Building momentum: 2004–2007

In Arbour Week 2004, some fifty trees were planted. A large share were donated by park users; the rest were supplied by the City.

During Arbour Week 2005, 2006 and 2007, the City supplied trees, supports, and tarred twine to support the trees. Donations of trees and money to buy trees helped raise the total planted to over 200.

Toward a Friends organisation

With a change in ward boundaries, Owen Kinahan took over from Ian Iversen as Ward Councillor. It was suggested that a Friends organisation be formed to act as a contact between park users and the City Council.

While working with the trees, Peter met Justine Thornton and others. Together they prepared for an introductory meeting held on 27 November 2008. Owen Kinahan explained the purpose of forming a Friends organisation.

An Interim Committee was formed:

Peter King (Chairman)
Roy Andrew
Suzie Brownlie
Liz McDaid
Rina Nel
Justine Thornton

During their term they drew up a constitution, opened a bank account, and developed a plan of action for improving the park.

The Keurboom Park Association

The Inaugural Meeting of the Keurboom Park Association was held on 21 May 2009. The constitution was adopted by those present. The Interim Committee was re-elected, with Peter King as Chairman and Justine Thornton as Treasurer. Six committee meetings were held over the following 12 months.

An Annual General Meeting was held on 13 May 2010, where the committee was re-elected.

This account reflects the association’s early history as recorded for the community.