Residents and dog owners in Van Riebeeck Park have voiced strong opposition to plans to close the Herzlia sports grounds to the general public from March 1, 2026, arguing that the move unlawfully cuts off access to a long-used community space.
The land, leased by the City of Cape Town to United Herzlia Schools, is currently subject to a lease clause allowing full public access when not in use for sport. Residents claim the proposed closure directly contradicts that agreement and ignores a recent Subcouncil resolution that deferred any amendments to the lease, as reported by the Cape Argus.
City officials have defended the decision, citing ongoing damage caused by dogs — including holes dug into playing surfaces, fouling, and harm to irrigation systems, as well as safety risks to learners, staff and athletes. The City maintains that the nearby public park offers an appropriate alternative for recreation.
Community members, however, argue that a blanket ban unfairly targets responsible dog owners and removes a vital green space in an increasingly dense urban area. Resident Brent Moore, speaking on behalf of the community, formally objected to the closure, calling it an unauthorised enforcement of a proposal that has not yet been approved. He said the restriction amounts to a material breach of the lease and undermines residents’ rights to public open spaces.
Moore has demanded the immediate removal of restrictive signage and insisted that the City follow a formal public participation process before making any changes to access conditions. He stressed that, as densification accelerates across Cape Town, protecting shared green areas is becoming increasingly important for residents of all ages.
The school, as lessee, has countered that uncontrolled dog activity and informal use have driven up maintenance costs and compromised the safety and quality of the sports fields. The City’s Recreation and Parks Department supports removing the public access clause, arguing it would reduce operational strain and safeguard the facility’s primary sporting function.
The original 10-year lease, set at an annual rental of R920 excluding VAT, transferred maintenance responsibilities away from the City. Residents say the grounds have been informally shared with the community for years and warn that closure would significantly limit access to open space.
Further concerns have been raised about overuse of the fields by Grass Boots FC, with the lessee claiming that combined school and club activities have left little time for recovery and upkeep. The City has indicated support for amendments to the lease, with the matter expected to return to Subcouncil for a decisive outcome on future access and management.
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