Revamped Jhb parks open for play

Two parks in high-density Johannesburg city suburbs – one in Yeoville and one in Troyeville – have been reopened after multimillion-rand revamps.

The two community parks, launched by the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), have each undergone a multimillion rand facelift as part of the City's Urban Regeneration Strategy, which aims to attract investment into the city.

Dignitaries present at both launches on Wednesday 2 May included Prema Naidoo, the member of the mayoral committee for environment, Mavela Dlamini, the city manager, Lael Bethlehem, chief executive officer of the JDA, and Ruby Mathang, the member of the mayoral committee for development planning and urban management.

Yeoville
The refurbishment of the Yeoville Community Park forms part of the Rockey-Raleigh Street regeneration initiative, which aims to restore the once trendy street into a secure, well- maintained urban environment conducive to attracting investment. The JDA plans to spend some R12m on the project in the 2007/8 financial year. "We are proud to have played a role in the revitalising of the park," Bethlehem said.

Her agency is charged with the mammoth task of renovating the city and its surroundings to accelerate economic growth.

Yeoville Park now boasts a kids' playground, a multipurpose centre, newly installed lights and space for events and performances. The park was going to be an important asset to the community of Yeoville, Bethlehem noted.

The suburb is a melting pot of different cultures, including South African, Congolese, Ethiopian and Nigerian. "It is up to us to keep the park safe and clean," said Maurice Smithers, the chairperson of the Yeoville Stakeholders' Forum.

He urged residents to blow the whistle on those who ruined the park. "We want investment into the area," he said, emphasising that residents had to work with the City to maintain the park.

According to Naidoo, the park's upgrade will make people feel safer. He emphasised that private sector investment would contribute towards the area's improvement and called on residents to help the City maintain the park.

"This is our baby in Yeoville. We are going to make sure we keep it safe and clean," said Nomaswazi Mohlala, the ward 67 councillor. She hoped that the South African Police Service (SAPS) would help to keep the park safe.

Following the formalities, the ribbon was cut, declaring the Yeoville Community Park officially opened.

Troyeville
After the launch in Yeoville, the dignitaries – and many residents – made their way to Troyeville.

The revamping of Troyeville Community Park forms part of the regeneration of the Greater Ellis Park precinct, part of the City's work towards hosting the 2010 Soccer World Cup. Among others, the project aims to refurbish existing sports facilities and improve safety and security and installing more lighting is one of the aspects.

There is now space at the park for large concerts and other mass events and volleyball, netball and basketball can be played. An athletics track has also been built. Lights have been installed to make it safer at night. City Parks has also allocated a caretaker to the park who will ensure that it is well-maintained.

The move to refurbish the park was prompted by the local community. "We were approached by a group of active Troyeville community members," Bethlehem said, adding that the revamp not only prepared the area for the World Cup, but also for the Confederation Cup in 2009.

"We trust that the community of Troyeville will partner with City Parks in keeping a watchful eye over the maintenance, management and protection of this asset to be used by people from all ages and all walks of life for generations to come," Naidoo said.

Residents also pledged to play their part in the park's maintenance. "We will protect the park from any kind of misuse," said Anthia Long, who spoke on behalf of the community, noting that they appreciated the City's moves to renovate the area. - George Matlala

Article courtesy of City of Johannesburg website (www.joburg.org.za).

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