The proposed renaming and upgrade of Lupin Park in Milnerton was announced last week with Mama Leah Tutu in attendance as the guest of honour.
The announcement was led by Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, Mayco member for community services and health Patricia van der Ross, and the chair of the Archbishop Tutu IP Trust, Dr Mamphela Ramphele.
Lupin Park was often frequented by the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu and is located on the doorstep of his family residence.
Among the proposed upgrade plans are an extensive children’s play area to reflect the late Arch’s love of and work with children throughout his life, a reflective memorial garden, commemorative artwork, outdoor performance spaces, and a dog park.
Local art initiatives will be incorporated into the park’s design, including a public art competition and construction phases.
A proposal will further be put to the public regarding the renaming of the park in honour of Archbishop Tutu’s legacy, with the upgrade aiming to enhance this public space and creating a lasting tribute to his invaluable contributions to the city, South Africa, and the world.
Symbol
Addressing Mama Leah Tutu during his remarks, Mayor Hill-Lewis said he hoped that the upgraded park would become a symbol to remind Capetonians of the values that she and her husband have always lived by.
“Mama Leah Tutu and the Arch lived across the road from this park for many years, and Mama Leah still does. I am told they loved to spend some quiet moments here.
“In developing and renaming this park, we aim to not only create a beautiful and vibrant space for the Milnerton community and visitors to the area, but also to remember and promote the beautiful values by which the Tutus have lived their lives: kindness, tolerance and justice.
“We invite all residents to take part in the public participation process to ensure continued community involvement in the park’s development,” said Mayor Hill-Lewis.
The Lupin Park project was initiated through engagements between the City, the Royal Ascot Master Property Owners Association, the Milnerton Central Ratepayers Association and the Archbishop Tutu IP Trust.
Together, these organisations proposed the development of a memorial garden in Lupin Park dedicated to Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
The park has been the focus of efforts by the City’s Recreation and Parks Department to preserve its natural and cultural heritage, with the City appointing consultants to create a proposed master plan for the park.
Public meeting
This concept plan will be presented at a public meeting scheduled for 1 October at the Milnerton Auditorium. All interested parties are encouraged to attend to provide feedback and ask questions.
“The announcement marks a significant step forward in the development of the park. Lupin Park is not just a recreational area where residents can enjoy the outdoors, but a space where we can honour our past and build a future together. The proposed upgrades will ensure that the legacy of Archbishop Desmond Tutu continues to inspire the community and the City of Cape Town for generations to come,” said Van der Ross.
“The most wonderful thing about this project is that it was initiated by the people of Milnerton themselves, through their ratepayers’ organisation. It is an authentic local tribute of love and respect for the Tutu family from the community they have been part of for nearly 30 years.
“The only condition the Trust imposed on the project was that it be thrifty; the Arch would not have wanted the City to incur a great expense. We are very grateful to Mayor Hill-Lewis for his enthusiastic leadership of the project,” said Ramphele.
Partnerships
The Milnerton Central Ratepayers Association said this project will revitalise Lupin Park into a beautiful community recreational space celebrating the life and legacy of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who was a beloved resident of Lupin Crescent, Milnerton, for many years.
“In February 2023, the MCRA approached the Tutu Family and Mayor’s office with a project proposal to enhance and beautify Lupin Park.
‘Spearheaded and designed by MCRA’s Charl van der Merwe, the plan featured flower gardens, outdoor artwork, a children’s play area, a dog park, and a small amphitheatre, all inspired by the Archbishop’s life and legacy.
“The project received support from both the Tutu family and the Mayor’s Office, resulting in a solidified project plan and committed budget. A key step before project implementation was to designate the land as an official heritage site through Heritage Western Cape (HWC). This application was officially approved and announced today, marking a significant milestone towards realising the project,” the MCRA says in a statement.
