Tshekisho Urban Park | Bloemfontein's Creative Oasis

Creating a Community Oasis

Transforming Hamilton into Bloemfontein's creative heart

Tshekisho Urban Park is where culture, recreation and community collide. Named after Solomon Tshekisho Plaatje, this vibrant space will become the city's new creative nucleus.

We're bridging neighborhoods and generations through shared experiences - from skateboarding to storytelling, gardening to gallery-hopping.

40 Permanent Jobs

5 Years to Complete

350 Livelihoods Supported

What's Brewing at Tshekisho

The Experience

Lit Center

A radical space for African storytelling with a dope library, creative studios, and performance zones.

Peek inside

Crafts Hub

Where local artisans slay with traditional beadwork, pottery, textiles and more. Come create with us!

Get crafty

Skate Park

A concrete playground designed by and for Bloemfontein's skate community. Drop in and shred!

Check the ramps

Green Spaces

Lush gardens, walking trails, and chill zones where you can reconnect with nature in the city.

Take a stroll

Outdoor Theater

An amphitheater for concerts, plays, and movie nights under the stars. Your stage awaits!

See the lineup

Community Market

A weekly showcase of local makers, growers, and foodies. Support small, dream big!

Meet the vendors

Making It Happen

Our Journey

2026

Planning & Community Engagement

Finalizing architectural designs with input from local stakeholders. Conducting community workshops to ensure the park meets neighbourhood needs. Securing permits and environmental approvals. Establishing partnerships with local artists and organisations who will activate the space.

12 community consultation sessions
3 design iterations based on feedback
Partnerships with 5 local schools

2027

Phase 1 Construction Begins

Site preparation and infrastructure development including utilities, pathways, and drainage. Construction begins on the skate park (designed in collaboration with Bloemfontein Skate Collective) and Lit Center framework. Initial landscaping with native, drought-resistant plants begins.

Skate park designed by local skaters
First 50 trees planted
20 local construction jobs created

2028

Major Milestones Reached

Lit Center structure completed with interior work beginning. Skate features fully installed and safety tested. First community events including pop-up markets and outdoor readings. Amphitheater structure completed. Initial artist residencies begin in the Crafts Hub temporary spaces.

12 pilot events hosted
5 artist residencies launched
Community garden plots assigned

2029

Final Touches & Testing

Interior fit-outs completed in all buildings. Landscaping matures with additional planting. Public art installations added throughout the park. Soft opening with limited access to test operations. Staff training and operational systems finalized. Vendor contracts signed for the market spaces.

8 permanent art installations added
Operational staff hired and trained
Safety inspections completed

2030

Grand Opening Celebration

Week-long opening festival featuring local musicians, artists, and performers. All facilities fully operational with regular programming schedule established. Official dedication ceremony with city officials and community leaders. First annual programs launched including youth summer camps and winter performance series.

7-day opening festival
50+ vendors in community market
Annual memberships available

Reimagining Urban Spaces