This week I braved the winter cold and trotted to the park with the windmill, situated on the corner of Wit Road and First Avenue.
With the help of Tony da Cruz I established it was officially opened in 1964 and named Martiens Kotze Park, after the mayor during that time.
This was developed next to the old ventilation shaft after a decision the town council made in 1961.
The newspaper Springs and Brakpan Advertiser of July 26, 1963 described the new development as a “fabulous fairyland garden with rolling lawn terraces, hanging gardens with masses of colourful scrubs and green succulents growing along the embankments of the wide plateau.”
The original plan was to put up summer houses and rondawels on the lawns and a rose garden at the back of the ventilation shaft.
There were two waterfalls cascading over the embankments and flowing into an ornamental lake at the foot of the plateau.
The lake had a strip, dividing it in two sub-lakes, with two bridges linking it.
Between the bridges what we still know the old Dutch windmill, was erected.
I am sure this is a place of beautiful memories to many people.
Anyone with ideas of beautiful places in Springs, please let the Addie know by emailing your suggestion to annalier@caxton.co.za.
See some of the pictures of my visit, as well as the one that Tony supplied.
