Ratanga Park has become one of Cape Town’s most beloved destinations, a place where families gather, runners unwind, picnickers linger and children explore. Now, after months of anticipation, the park is set to unveil its brand-new ablution and information facilities, bringing comfort, accessibility and convenience to the thousands who visit each month.
But these new facilities offer more than functionality. They carry a story, a tribute to a cherished icon from the days of Ratanga Junction.
Perched proudly atop the new structure is the beautifully-restored Temperance Flyer, the little train many will remember from the theme park’s vibrant heyday. Its presence ensures that as Ratanga Park evolves its roots remain visible, honouring the past even as it serves the present.
A favourite finds its new home
For years the Temperance Flyer delighted families as it wound its way through Ratanga Junction.
After the theme park closed the train continued to charm visitors at the Central Park Natural Goods Market and annual events such as Carols in the Park, becoming a beloved relic of shared community memories.
But time took its toll. Pending refurbishment, the train was stored away in the subway, its future uncertain, its legacy still deeply treasured.
It was during this time that engineer and Winelands Light Railway owner Andries Keyser proposed a visionary idea: a custom-built tram designed specifically for Century City. Crafted from scratch to run on the existing 2,4-gauge track between Central Park and Ratanga Park, the new creation would offer longevity and charm in equal measure.
“It would have been better in the long run to build a custom tram than to refurbish the Temperance Flyer and set it to work again,” said John Chapman, Director of the Rabie Property Group.
A tribute built into the heart of the park
With the new tram in place the question remained of what would become of the beloved Temperance Flyer.
Chapman recalled how the answer emerged serendipitously.
“We wanted to retain the legacy of the Temperance Flyer after its retirement, but were not quite sure how to go about it. When we looked at the design of the ablution and information facilities in Ratanga Park we thought that, with a flat-roof structure, we could install the train here, not only creating a talking point but giving homage to the legacy of Ratanga Junction.”
A meticulous restoration followed, led by Keyser. This time, however, the train traded its playful bright blue and red palette for a classic red, black and gold finish, honouring the traditional elegance of historic rail travel.
Today, the restored Temperance Flyer sits elevated above the new building, overlooking the park where it once brought joy to countless children and families. It is both a landmark and a memory, a bridge between eras.
A new chapter for Ratanga Park
The new ablution and information facilities mark a significant step in enhancing the visitor experience as the park’s popularity continues to grow. The upgrades include an information and security office and spacious public bathrooms, including a wheelchair-accessible toilet.
More than an infrastructural improvement, the unveiling reflects Century City’s dedication to preserving its heritage, fostering creativity, and celebrating community identity.
Visit https://centurycity.co.za for more information.
