Freedom Park was described by former president Thabo Mbeki not as place of mourning but a celebration and
tribute to humanity. The design itself is what is so fascinating. The walkways, mostly wheelchair friendly, reminds
of the tracks that ox wagons would make as they trek up and trough a landscape. These paths and walkways are
also built out of rock to optimise view, direction and swell and shrink to accommodate generous amounts of
visitors whilst not being visually intrusive to the landscape. The garden of remembrance completed in 2004 is a
particular point of interest in the park as it is a place that pins down layers of complexity and thought. Mist calmly
rises from the Isivivane, where rocks from all the provinces stand guard. The garden symbolically brings together
wholeness with elements of heritage, culture, history and spirituality. Another attraction is the "uitspan plek" where
visitors can rest and take in the experience they have had on a lighter note. Beautifully designed with large lawn
spaces and the sound of water and wind blowing through the surrounding grass land that creates an
unforgettable ambiance. Raw and honest materials are used throughout, and around every corner and in every
detail the ingenuity of its use is remarkable and a delight to the eye. It is important when visiting the park to think
like a designer, because every detail, every material has meaning and a great deal of thought went into every
design decision, irrespective of how small they might have been. Freedom Park is welcomed with open arms into
this curator series of Landscape Architecture.
You can book tours ahead
of a visit. Complete the
online booking form or
send an email to:
tours@freedompark.co.za
Groups of 10 or more
people can reserve a
guided tour by completing
the online booking form or
sending an email to
tours@freedompark.co.za.
Alternatively, you can
contact the Guest Relations
Officer on +27 (0)12 336
4020/4052/4048 or +27
(0)79 873 9069 to make
a booking.
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