Bellville: Parks, River and History

Get to know Bellville through its different places: its green spaces, the course of the Elsieskraal River, historic markers and an art collection. If you are planning a stay around your personal interests, you can use these themes as a guide when choosing your destination. Each of the following places has a different focus: activities and events at Jack Muller Park, the river and wildlife at Elizabeth Park, and historical and cultural connections at several locations.

Green spaces for activity and riverside scenery

Jack Muller Park, also known as Danie Uys Park, is in Bellville, directly beside the N1 and the Durban Road activity corridor. It has an amphitheatre, an outdoor fitness area and picnic facilities. The park serves as a venue for outdoor events such as corporate events, children's parties, charity events and concerts. Its green lawns are popular with runners.

Elizabeth Park: River and historical development

Elizabeth Park is a public green space in the centre of Bellville, surrounded by office buildings, student residences and other buildings. The Elsieskraal River flows through the park, helping to support native birds, amphibians and insects. In addition to its location in the built-up centre, the river gives the site a scenic and ecological aspect. The specific amenities listed differ: both parks have an amphitheatre; a basketball court is listed for Elizabeth Park, while picnic facilities are listed for Jack Muller Park. Elizabeth Park also has outdoor fitness equipment, benches and public lighting. The parks are also situated differently: Jack Muller Park is directly beside the N1 and the Durban Road activity corridor, while Elizabeth Park is in the centre of Bellville.

Elizabeth Park opened on 2 June 1953. The City of Cape Town upgraded the park in 2018/19 at a cost of 20 million rand. The work included refurbishing the riverside path and landscaping, and building an amphitheatre. The opening and these later works mark different points in the park's history.

A milestone, art and further history

Another historic point of interest lies outside Elizabeth Park: the 12th Mile and an oil lamp stand at the corner of Voortrekker Road and Durban Road. Erected in the 19th century, the 12th milestone is a massive bluestone block with a triangular top; the Roman numeral XII is engraved on it. XII means twelve, explaining the number in its name. The oil lamp is mentioned there as a separate historic point of interest, while the milestone is also described in terms of its material, shape and inscription.

Art is also represented at a specific destination: the Sanlam Art Collection can be viewed at the Sanlam Art Gallery in Bellville. If you would like to include art in your travel plans alongside parks and historic sites, it offers a distinct cultural point of interest.

Hardekraaltjie Caravan Park in Bellville is considered the oldest campsite in the country and is associated with a history of more than 300 years.

Discover more destinations: Bellville Lot 6, Sunset Beach, Blouberg, Hout Bay, Noordhoek, Bergvliet, Strand, Rondebosch.

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