In the hopes of uplifting his community and bringing residents together, Dowerglen resident Ray Hogg took it upon himself to rejuvenate Willow Park.
Ray and his wife started working at the park during the lockdown and have continued doing so for the past four months.
“We just got sick and tired of the state of the park and looking at it the whole time,” said Ray.
During those four months, several park days, which saw the neighbouring community members work together, were held.
Ray said several community members and groups including the First Edenvale Brownies Troop and the Bedfordview Girl Guides adopted flower beds.
Ray explained that much of the park was overgrown and park infrastructure, such as benches and bridges, were damaged. Overall, the park had been neglected.
While tending to the park, Ray rebuilt two bridges, repaired and built multiple benches and cleared a route for park-goers to use.
He said overgrown grass and foliage covered many benches.
Ray said in the past four months, tons of refuse, cuttings and other rubble were removed from the park by the community.
To assist with the cutting of the lawn, Ray put an appeal to the surrounding community to raise funds for a ride-on lawnmower.
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“At 71 years of age, I can’t be cutting the grass with a push mower.”
In a matter of four days, the community raised R16 000 which was spent on a ride-on mower.
“Since receiving a bit of a facelift, the park is abuzz with activity and on the weekends there are always people visiting.”
While the NEWS was speaking to Ray, several community members and their dogs were seen enjoying the park and walking around.
Besides being a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of daily life, the park is home to a plethora of birdlife and mammals.
Ray said there are at least 30 different species of bird in the park and at least six Cape Mongoose that call the park home.
Looking to the future Ray hopes to make the willow park initiative a long-lasting and sustainable one.
He said if community members can contribute what they can afford to the cleaning of the park it would be greatly appreciated.
Ray appealed to the City to clean empty the dustbins in the park more frequently.
The next park day will be held on November 28 between 7am and 11am.
Contact Ray on 082 925 4682 or rghogg@mweb.co.za for more information.
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