Settlers Park Nature Reserve — Attraction in Nelson Mandela Bay Ward 3

The last time my family and I visited this park was in December 2022 for a picnic. We walked through the park still enjoying the beauty of nature but were thoroughly saddened by the complete lack of maintenance. Alien trees have been removed but nothing had been planted to replace them. There used to be a nursery that provided plants for the reserve. That clearly no longer is happening. We found the exhibit building in the main entrance area which used to display specimens of flora from the park has becone a drug den with used needles scattered on the floor. After our walk we decided to picnic near the parking lot. Let's just say that strange things were happening as vehicles came and went. Not to mention the shenanigans behind the 'drug den building'. The security was questionable and didn't make the park safer. In fact I think that they were party to the goings on there. We decided never to return and waved a sad goodbye to a place that we had spent most of our lives visiting. Our Municipality should be ashamed of themselves for neglecting this beautiful asset and treasure...

It saddened me seeing what state the park is in. I did my practical there 20years ago and then it was 5 STARS but not even worth a one star today. I wasn't surprized when I learned all the old nature con. guys was gone, because they kept the park and mother nature the way it should have been kept unlike who ever does the conservation now over there. One thing it tells me that there's no true conservationists working there anymore but rather puppets who fills the gaps and earns a salary. I was taught we become conservationists because we love nature and not for a quick buck. Shame on who is letting this happen to Settlers park, a place ones of beauty but...

This trail walk 🚶‍♀️ would be awesome and certainly appreciated more if the city dedicated themselves to preserving nature's environment. Vagrants use the reserve for "camping," and the river for "bathroom needs," and this is a huge disappointment 😞 the park needs some TLC with regard to how it is being maintained. No ablution facilities anymore 😢 Walking in a large group is definitely recommended for safety reasons as this is a...