Knysna’s natural typography lends itself to outdoor “play” and we create and maintain outdoor facilities for the enjoyment of our residents and visitors.
By making sure the areas under our management are well managed, we conserve, enhance and develop these spaces for present and future generations.
The Department Parks and Recreation is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of all public open spaces, picnic areas and municipal garden beds. This includes cutting of grass in public open spaces and sidewalks, tree felling, tree planting and maintenance, sport field maintenance, everything pertaining to vegetation including public complaints or requests thereof, play park installation and maintenance, and horticulture.
Parks & Beaches
The Knysna Heads
Coney Glen
Green Hole
Bollard Bay
Wilson Street picnic and braai area
Cathy Park
Karatara Swimming Pool & Park
Buffalo Bay beach
The Island Sedgefield
“Behind Placid Waters” Braai Area
Smutsville Braai Area
Myoli Beach and Cola Beach in Sedgefield
Outdoor Gyms
George Rex Drive
Masifunde
Rheenendal
Contact Manager Parks and Recreation:
Mr Ivan van Wyk
Telephone: +27 (0)44 302 302 6564
Email: ivanwyk@knysna.gov.za
The Garden Route National Park
The Greater Knysna area is situated in the Garden Route National Park managed by SANParks, and the Park hosts unique fauna and flora, places of interest and unforgettable views. Click here for more information:
Click here to view the website
Goukamma Nature Reserve
Goukamma Nature Reserve and Marine Protected Area, situated on the Garden Route between Sedgefield and Knysna, has a diverse array of fascinating habitats and an abundance of smaller wildlife, birds and fish. It is also a World Heritage Site.
The reserve covers 2 500 hectares of dense coastal forest, including milkwood, yellowwood and candlewood trees. It protects the charming vervet monkey, bushbuck and bushpig, as well as porcupine, mongoose, honey badger and grysbok. This is a popular choice for keen birders, as the Goukamma River and estuary and the Groenvlei Lake provide a welcoming habitat for more than 220 bird species, including the rare African black oystercatcher. There are two indigenous and four alien species of fish found in the Groenvlei Lake. Visitors enjoy the sight of the magnificent southern right whales between June and November. Bottle-nosed and humpback dolphins play in the waves throughout the year. For more information click here