It was local property pioneer, Trevor Jordan, who recognised the need for a multi-purpose family venue, close to town where mum and dad or gran and grandpa can relax over a meal, knowing the children are being entertained in a safe and friendly environment.
Inspired by the wonderful Hoedspruit climate, discussions started with Trevor’s son, Patrick, around an outdoor playground and splash zone for the younger members of our community. It was not long before pyramids of sand, sacks of rubberised flooring, brightly coloured poles, ropes, and slides were piling up at the Bosveld Village, ready for installation by the specialised contractor, Plantz Central.
The outdoor play area is colourfully marked and can withstand all weather conditions with an anti-slip, non-toxic and durable surface, below a variety of slides, climbing walls, and rope challenges. There is also a scooter racetrack, hopscotch, mud kitchen and a zip line. The play area is currently being extended to include swings, a seesaw, a trampoline, and an old vehicle wreck that will be colourfully decorated and appropriately restored. Plans are afoot for an arts-and-craft room, a multimedia PlayStation featuring kinetic games and movie section, as well as a dress-up room of imagination and a party venue.
A variety of privately owned educational and health-care facilities, a Bushveld Bookings office, as well as a small animal farm are also on the cards. Tenants for the planned corridor of shops are queuing up with a diverse range of offerings from ice creams and waffles to an art foundry!
With the fun artistic murals on the outdoor walls that have been painted by the talented Gabriel Kalil and Sbonelo Ngomane, the scene is immediately set upon arrival. It’s time, regardless of age, to forget the stresses of everyday life, venture into a playful world, relax and have some fun!
There is a R50 entry fee charged to the playground area, the proceeds of which pay the appropriately named playground minder, Precious, who keeps an eye on the youngsters. In addition to allowing children the opportunity to create lifelong memories, build new friendships, breathe fresh air, dance in the sprays, and soak up the sun, the play area keeps the kids entertained whilst parents can relax at one of the alfresco restaurants – Anne’s Cotton Club, La Baguette, and The Brewery, all of which are open daily and offer a diverse selection of fine fare.
The Bosveld Village is also a hub where older children with mutual interests can meet, share, and learn about teamwork, empathy, and fellowship. The indoor arcade offers the 12 to 17 year-olds a smoke and alcohol-free zone to test their skills on a variety of arcade machines, including pinball, Daytona racing car simulators, a Travel Bus claw machine, a variety of vending machines and a pool table.
It is apparent, however that there is definitely some skill required when trying to grab one of the enticing collection of George and Peppa Pigs, Plush Dinos, Aurora Unicorns and Squishmallow Bulldogs that wait patiently in the Travel Bus for a new and loving home.
A mini golf course (NOT putt-putt), which is open to all ages, provides a tricky and testing game with rock and water hazards to negotiate. A small putting green allows putters to practise and advance their skills with a variety of gradients designed to test and challenge. The play area is open daily from 10h00 to 18h00 on weekdays and from 09h00 to 21h00 during weekends.
There is also an on-site car wash run by William, who assists Simbi at his famous Ardmore-style pottery and curio shop, and a hair dressing salon where Rachel will attend to a bad hair day in a matter of snips. Bosveld Village has ample parking in a safe and accessible environment, a stone’s throw from Hoedspruit central, travelling south on the R40.
“The Bosveld Village is a user-friendly, family orientated centre that is being developed by the Jordan team, whose enthusiasm and vision for the project knows no bounds. As the Marketing Manager, I am extremely excited by what the future holds”, says Greg Smith.
There are many exciting events planned that offer something for everyone, and with upcoming festivals such as the Oktoberfest, market days, art exhibitions, mini-golf contests, and cook offs to name a few, the Bosveld Village are confident that their motto of #createyourownvibe will be well and truly subscribed!
