Sporting bodies unite against proposal to lease sports grounds

Various sporting bodies came together recently to voice their concerns and raise awareness about the proposal by the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality to lease the Edenvale Sports Grounds to a third party.

Edenvale could lose its sports grounds

The meetings, which took place on November 2, saw Clr Heather Hart and representatives from the football, baseball, water polo clubs and the skateboarding park raising some of their concerns.

Edenvale Sports Grounds public participation meeting postponed

Many of the representatives from the various clubs said their greatest concerns were that of access to the sporting grounds and the future of sports in Edenvale.

“Other groups like churches, the SAPS and schools use the sports ground. What’s going to happen to them if they do not have access to a sporting facility?” asked Ms Dalene Holder, from the Edenvale Football Club.

Mrs Vanessa Beiling said the entire community is involved with the sports grounds, not only in Edenvale but from the surrounding areas as well.
Ms Holder said there is the risk of club members leaving the local clubs to play elsewhere while the construction takes place.
“It’s very likely that they won’t come back,” said Ms Holder.
Ms Kate Jones, who used to makes use of the swimming pool for her swimming club, said the local schools in the area make use of the community pool when they have galas.
“The local schools are also against the proposal,” said Ms Jones.
She said by not having access to the public pool, schools will have to find another alternative.
“This is a community facility that offers community members the facilities to do sport. If there are going to be entrance costs for the grounds, many community members will not be able to afford the costs,” said Mr Frank Bell of the baseball club.
Mr Bell said the sports grounds allow a space for the community to come together.
According to the EMM, the reason for the proposal to a third part is to allow investors and developer the chance to develop the land parcel for the betterment of the facility.
In response to questions raise at the council meeting, the EMM said the development will be advantageous to the surrounding residents and the sporting community.
The EMM said the new investors will allow for a cash injection for the facility and will allow for an increase in popularity of the facility.
“We need to raise awareness about the proposal and we need as many people as possible to attend the meeting on November 19,” said Clr Hart.

“Leasing the sports grounds out will destroy the community,” said Mr Bell.

Ms Jones said residents in the area who think they will not be affected by the lease need to oppose it and not let it happen.
“When something is constructed there will be an increase in traffic and noise pollution. Residents in the surrounding area will be affected,” said Ms Jones.
The clubs feel that there has been a large amount of investment put into the the sports grounds, largely form the clubs themselves and they do not wish to see that lost.
“We can’t quantify the amount of time and effort we have spent maintaining and improving the grounds,” said Mr Bell.
“I feel that many representatives feel that the sports ground is the child of the clubs and they don’t want to see their baby given to adoptive parents,” said Clr Hart.
Clr Hart said in order to ensure a show of strength at least 1 000 community members need to attend the public participation meeting.
Clr Hart said the meeting will take place at the Edenvale Community centre.
The public participation meeting, which will take place on November 19, will begin at 10am and will allow for community members to raise concerns.