Explore Pennington – a hidden gem
It must also be noted that the Tidy Towns group has helped put a sparkle in Pennington.
What makes Pennington so special? According to the locals, it’s because a lot of love and care has been shown to this hidden gem.
The town certainly has a lot to offer.
Firstly, the beach is special because of it’s all-year-round weather. Everyone loves taking pictures on the deck – and great news – a picture frame will be installed on the deck soon.
Dogs are welcome and many people meet on the beach with their pets, so both humans and dogs can socialise. It must be noted that dogs are not allowed on the Blue Flag beach, between the tidal pool and lifeguard tower.
And yes, that’s right. Pennington has Blue Flag status. Water quality is measured in two microbial indicators to test the faecal contamination in Blue Flag bathing waters and environmental management includes cleanliness of the beach, ablution facilities, accessibility to disabled persons, and no contamination in bathing water.
There is also environmental education that entails awareness programmes which can be conducted in different target groups, ranging from school children to adults, and can be anything pertaining to coastal care and environmental management.
The beach has lifeguards on duty (365 days a year) with suitable equipment. The area also has suitable parking spaces and controlled traffic, and prohibited use of alcohol to ensure safety for all beachgoers.
Tidy Towns Pennington has also just put up boards that show the swimming conditions, tides, etc.
The Tidy Towns group has helped put a sparkle in Pennington too.
Over time, they upgraded the lifesavers’ tower making sure they are protected from wind, rain and sun; planted gardens to welcome all to the area; carried out a car park project worth over R350 000; Village Green is always great to walk through with its gardens and they have placed benches for workers and the public.
Many residents collect litter off the beach on a regular basis, and Tidy Towns has provided recycling bins.
Car guards have also been kitted out by Tidy Towns in matching orange vests and hats to distinguish them and make them ‘official’ although they are all volunteers and depend on tips.
Pennington ensures that nature is put first, with wildlife corridors kept ‘wild’ for the safe passage of bushbuck, duikers and mongoose. Local resident, Allan McLennan, does a Bird Walk every week, often in the Nkomba Bird Sanctuary or Umdoni Park. Contact him on 072 2459605.
At Umdoni Park, you will find many different walking, running and cycling trails through the forest. There are viewing decks looking down the gorge where one can spot the Cape otters in the river, many benches, and also a picnic table in the Enchanted Forest as well as a Bird Hide.
There is Jeff’s Wild Trail for the more adventurous, named after Jeff Sandwith, a local resident who helped to design some of the trails, as well as identifying and labelling many of the indigenous trees in the forest. There is a beautiful waterfall along one of the trails too.
On Thursday evenings, people can join the Thirsty Thursday running group, who run/walk 3km, 5km, 8km or 12km though the forest – with headlamps.
These are just a handful of the experiences Pennington has to offer. The friendly residents invite one and all to visit the area and explore what they have on offer and make memories to last a lifetime.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
