Welcome
Pinelands Friends of the Oval (PFOTO) is a community group working to protect the double-cricket oval at the centre of Pinelands — Erf 3138 on St Stephen's Road. For almost a century this has been open, grassed, unfenced public space at the heart of our Garden City suburb.
What is at stake: The Pinelands Hockey Club has applied to the City of Cape Town to lease a large portion of the oval (City Case ID 130010921) for ten years, with plans to invest approximately R9 million in an astroturf hockey field and floodlights. Community members believe this would fence off and permanently alter the lower oval, ending or severely restricting cricket, school sport, soccer, frisbee, athletics, dog walking, and everyday recreation for Pinelanders.
Why we formed
Residents, sports users, and adjoining property owners came together in early 2026 when the City's public participation notice became widely known. Hundreds attended an information meeting on the lower oval on 18 March 2026. Since then the group has coordinated objections, community meetings, media engagement, and requests for information from the City — giving the campaign a presence beyond Facebook, WhatsApp, and word of mouth.
What this site is for
A place to share background, key documents, and practical ways to get involved. We are not opposed to hockey as a sport; we oppose any lease of the playing fields to a single sports body — and the fencing and exclusion that would follow.
How you can help
- Register to join our update list
- Read who we are and the oval's history and timeline
- Review documents and official links
- Join our WhatsApp group, Facebook page, or YouTube channel
- Contact us with questions, skills to offer, or support