Residents of St George's Park say there is far more to this historic, leafy part of Port Elizabeth than cheering at cricket matches and leisurely Sunday strolls.
About the area
Upmarket apartments, galleries, schools and stately homes which often double as businesses line the streets, and it wouldn’t be a morning in St George’s Park without a few joggers or dog-walkers about.
The area is fairly busy due to its proximity to office buildings and businesses, but the green park at its centre seems to maintain a feeling of calm even on its busiest days.
One of the biggest attractions in the area is the St George’s Park cricket grounds. It played host to its first Test match in 1889 and is considered one of the oldest cricket clubs in South Africa.
Even older than that, is the park that houses the grounds; St George's Park was established in 1859 and is officially the oldest park in Port Elizabeth.
The park incorporates the world-famous Port Elizabeth Cricket Club, the oldest bowling green in South Africa (Founders Green), the St George's Park swimming pool, Prince Alfred's Guard Memorial, the popular Manville Open Air Theatre, as well as the 1882 Victorian Pearson Conservatory which was built for the cultivation of exotic flora.
Other facilities include a children’s playground and outdoor gym facilities similar to those found at the beachfront. The park is a favourite for joggers and, on the last Sunday of each month, it is also a hive of activity as the Art in the Park event is hosted there. In summer, a Shakespearean festival takes place at Mannville, making the park a popular multi-use venue.
With the park, shops, art galleries, top schools and Life St George’s Hospital all just a stone’s throw from the residential area, it is easy to see why a home in this area is so sought after.
I love living in the St George’s Park area because everything I need is walking distance away, and if I walk anywhere people always greet me, which is really nice
Resident, Nadine Larter
Top schools nearby:
- St George’s Primary School
- St George’s College
- Greenwood Primary School
- Grey Junior School
- Grey High School
Best in food:
- Natti’s Thai Kitchen: for authentic Thai food
- Savages Fine Food: for bistro-style cuisine
- Rhubarb and Lime Cafe: for gourmet food
Things to do:
- Settlers Park Nature Reserve
- St George’s Park
- GFI Art Gallery
- Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum
- St George’s Park cricket grounds
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
