A former teacher in Hermanus created Swallow Park over a century ago after she retired.  Swallow was given a nick name as she was perceived to dart around like a bird. The park has deteriorated over the years, and the CBD Revitalisation Cluster of the Hermanus Business Chamber has been given permission to proceed with transforming the park. On the 19 May Angela Heslop gave a presentation about the history of Swallow and her park. The Cluster group enabled her to share the plans at the presentation. Importantly the park will provide links to our culture and heritage too.

During question time a resident who lives overlooking the park shared her observations about the park safety, use of the space, plants planned and a surrounding fence. She did not feel the park should be changed, albeit upgraded and that the vagrant issue is well managed by HPP. Many people use it, and it is easy to walk through or be seated on stone benches. The discussion led to the attendees sharing their points of view, a full show of hands represented agreement to concerns about the revitalisation plans. Angela agreed that members of the History Interest Group (HIG) would meet with the cluster.

Angela Heslop is chairperson of the History Interest Group now merged with U3A. website    https://www.hermanus-history-society.co.za       .  See article about Swallow Park by Hedda Mittner in NEWS on this website.

The cluster met on 3 June with 3 members of the HIG who shared the concerns and disapproval about changes to Swallow Park. The meeting was helpful, and we learnt that the fencing allows visibility of the park, and some consideration was given to our views about the Fynbos to be planted. However, we urged that a public participation meeting be held.