If you pay a visit to Horwood’s Farm you may be of the opinion that Edenvale’s beloved park is under attack.
Heavy machinery, cartloads of soil around, a chain-link fence divides the park and construction workers toil away to meet their deadlines.
Although this scene may come as a surprise to community members, there is no need to fear.
Work on the park’s long-awaited upgrade has finally started.
The upgrade, worth R10-million, will see major improvements and alterations made to the property.
Ward 18 Clr Heather Hart said once completed, the park will have:
• A new entrance.
• Two multi-purpose courts.
• A skatepark.
• Several new play areas for children.
• A market area.
• New covered pathways.
• A new amphitheatre.
• Extended and paved parking.
Hart said the project was authorised by the municipality’s environmental resource management department.
“One of the developers who helped plan the proposed layout was actually involved in the park’s original planning in the ’80s,” said Hart.
She explained that the upgrade should take 18 months and will be done over two phases.
While it is occurring, community members will not be allowed to access the areas under development.
Also read: Women have high hopes of breathing new life into Horwood’s Farm
At the moment community members can’t access the area between the red playground and the side of the park closest to Horwood Street.
“The upgrade should see Horwood’s Farm become one of the best parks in the municipality,” said Hart.
“Hopefully the park will be even more beautiful and attract visitors from all over.”
After the upgrade’s completion, Hart said Friends of Horwood’s Farm hopes to officially adopt the park for two years through the municipality’s Step-Up Campaign.
Hart said the reason for this is to ensure that the park is maintained regularly.
Funds collected from the monthly Horwood’s Farm Family Market entrance fee will be used to cover maintenance costs and eventually restore the homestead.
“The monthly market really put Horwood’s Farm on the map and has attracted visitors from far and wide.”
In addition to this, Hart said the organisation will work in partnership with security companies to bump up security at the park.
Also read: Hart appeals to CoE to not allow proposed selling of land at Horwood’s Farm
Hart said the upgrade will pay tribute to founders of friends of Horwood’s Farm Sharon Lendrum-Frittelli, Sylvia Rundle and all other role players.
She thanked Margy Pedder for her continued work at the park and work with the municipality’s environmental resource management department to get the project started.
Hart said although the Horwood’s Farm Family Market will be affected by the upgrade, the last market of the year will be held on December 2.
