Most of the tidal salt marsh that surrounds the Island is a proclaimed Invertebrate
Reserve under the jurisdiction of the SANParks (see map in centre, and SANParks
brochure Boating on the Knysna Lagoon, July 2005.) The area of the Reserve is
delineated by a series of beacons, and is roughly the area between Leisure Isle and
Thesen Islands to the north, Woodboume to the east and the Heads to the south.
Within this area no-one may collect any shellfish or bait organisms such as mud
prawns, bloodworms, pencil bait or any other invertebrate bait. This applies even to
people in possession of a bait licence.
The only area around Leisure Isle where bait may be collected is the section which
stretches south-west from Beacon K.7 at the comer of Thella Crescent and Cearm
Drive to Beacon K9 at Land's End.
Salt marshes are rare and threatened, and their health and preservation are essential
not only for the estuarine food chain but also for the whole marine environment -
many ocean fishes rely on estuaries during part of their life cycles.
The SANParks' brochure Salt marshes of the Knysna Lagoon (obtainable from the
SANParks' office at Thesen's Wharf) explains the importance and fascination of salt
marshes, and emphasizes their fragility in the face of growing development and
human pressure.
Leisure Isle, surrounded on all sides by the waters of a tidal estuary, is one of the two
island suburbs of Knysna, and is separated from the mainland by a causeway.
A sea wall surrounds the island, and the ebb and flow of the tides in the lagoon and
salt marshes add to its unique character and ensure a constantly changing scene.
Along the shores of the Island lie beaches, parks and areas of protected natural
vegetation. Leisure Isle is a residential suburb, with narrow roads, little lanes and
lovely gardens, but the water is never far away, and the matchless views in all
directions contribute to the special ambience of the place and the sense of being at
one with nature. The estuary and the Island are home to a rich variety of birds.
The lifestyle of the Island has always been true to its name, with something for the very young, the very old and everyone in between. It is a perfect place to enjoy building sandcastles, swimming, boating, sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, kite-boarding and fishing, net to mention walking, jogging, roller-blading and cycling. Tennis courts and bowling greens, table-tennis, bridge and yoga add to the choices.
Leisure Isle is regarded by its inhabitants as almost a pedestrian precinct, and a place where children and older folk abound and can wander safely on foot or on their bicycles.
This scene is changing, with many heavy-duty vehicles now using the Island's, roads, and a growing disregard for the 40 kph speed limit, but hopefully with adequate traffic controls, speed humps, careful driving and the fostering of an awareness in all motorists and cyclists, Leisure Isle will retain its people-friendly character.
This complex for the accommodation of elderly people opened in 1989, on land
originally demarcated for a school. Care was taken in entire that the complex would
be attractive and fit in with the Leisure Isle environment and ambience, and it has
proved to be a very successful venture.
Leisure Gardens contains a Main Building with all facilities, a Frail Care unit and a
Sick Bay. Set among the gardens are 7 two-bedroom Cottages, 6 one-bedroom
Cottages and 15 Bachelor Flats. It has a long waiting list, and preference is always
given to local residents.
Bowls. Tennis, Bridge and Table Tennis all Fall under the auspices of the Club and share its clubhouse and facilities. The Club, which is situated in Links Drive on the
north - western area of the Island, has a liquor licence and is a favourite gathering
place.
The LICC leases from the Knysna municipality the ground occupied by the
clubhouse, the bowling greens and the tennis courts. It is managed by a committee
with representatives from all sections. The Cearn Hall also falls under the LICC.
Mid October weekend (14 & 15 October 2006) saw the transition of Art & Craft on The Isle and Open Gardens into the Leisure Isle festival. The festival is to be held each year in aid of various charities and environmental projects. Those benefiting in 2006 included:
Hospice
Leisure Gardens
Steenbok Nature Park
Knysna Animal Welfare
Vermont Old Age Home
'E' Pap School Enrichment programme
Knysna Sport School Development Trust
Activities included:
Art & Craft by Professional and Hobbyists Tea gardens. Food and refreshments
Stunning Gardens on Show
Photographic Displays
Second Hand Book Sale
Parade of Vintage & Special Cars
Mini Cricket, Target Golf, Bowls and treasure Hunt
Showcasing of Steenbok Nature Park Development Plan
Rugby Currie Cup Final on TV at the Harbour Clubhouse
Sponsor's Sundowners at the Harbour followed by Bring & Braai
The Leisure Isle Private Nursing Service was formed in 1969 to provide the residents
of Leisure Isle. Hunters Home. Rexford, Woodbourne and the Heads with the services
of a registered Nursing Sister in their homes in times of need.
Membership of this service entitles residents to the professional services of a
registered Nursing Sister, w ho is available for home visits on weekday mornings. The
service is particularly intended for the elderly who are in need of nursing care. The
scope of professional services offered by the Nursing Sister is limited by the South
African Nursing Council. They range from taking blood pressure and other simple
procedures to extended visits where injections and personal services such as bathing
etc and sterile procedures are undertaken.
The service is not for emergency First Aid attention.
The annual membership subscription is currently R50 per annum, or Rl00 per couple.
The future of this non-profit service depends on the continued support of residents of
the area, whether or not they are in need of it at this particular time.
The Leisure Isle Library, situated in Cearn Hall in Hall Road, is a branch of the
Knysna Library, although membership of both libraries is separate. The books are
provided by the Provincial library service, while the Municipality is responsible for
staff and buildings. Fresh stocks of books are supplied at regular intervals. As well as
fiction and non-fiction, the library has children's books, videos, large-print books
and certain magazines.
Membership is free to all Knysna ratepayers, and non-Knysna residents may use the
library for an annual fee. Holiday membership is available by arrangement with the
Librarian.
Library teas are held at the library on the first Saturday of each month by the Friends of Knysna Library, to raise funds for library materials and facilities.
