Darling Street Park receives R1.4-m upgrade

Upgrades included palisade fencing around the park, a sandpit and a paved walkway.

March 27, 2019

Rivelle Govindsamy 2 minutes read

Children from the community were happy with the new sandpit.

The park in Darling Street, Actonville, recently underwent a R1.4-million upgrade and was officially opened to the public on March 20, after Ward 29 councillor Haseena Ismail handed over of the keys to community members.

According to Ismail, the park, which took three months to be upgraded, was deteriorating, with many social ills occurring in and around the area.

“The park was abused, as many negative activities, such as alcohol consumption and other substance abuse, would take place here,” explained Ismail.

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Community member Zaheera Hussain confirmed the activities, stating it was a “hotspot for taxis, drinking and couples, especially on weekends” with school learners also using the area as a place to bunk classes.

“The upgrade was much needed,” said Hussain.

“Residents really appreciate what was done here.”

Ismail said the enclosed palisade fencing would act as a deterrent against vandalism and the paved walkway could also be used for cycling and jogging.

“This is the first park with paving in Actonville,” said the councillor.

“New gym equipment was added and the play equipment was modified and repainted with more attractive colours.

“I requested safety and uniqueness to be the focus of the park with special attention to detail.

“Local labour from the ward (90 per cent) was used during this time.”

Community members present at the opening said they were pleased with the upgrades and were ready to maintain the area according to the highest standards to ensure social ills would be curbed significantly.

Also benefiting from the upgrade is Benoni Primary School, which neighbours the park.

Ismail said she requested provision for a secure, fenced-off parking area specifically created for parents to drop off their children as previously cars would stop inside the park, further damaging its surface.

This, she added, would help parents face traffic congestion during the peak-hour school rush.

Benoni Primary School principal Shamala Ramsamy said the school was excited about the completion of the park.

“We asked for the park to be upgraded 25 years ago, but limited progress was made since then,” the principal said.

“Now that the upgrades are complete, we are looking forward to it being neat, clean and, most importantly, safe for our learners.

“I firmly believe a good community stands behind its school and a good school stands behind its community. I trust the community members will also take care of the park.”

Other unique features in the park include a chess table and rubber-finish mats beneath the gym equipment, minimising the risk of injuries.

“The park beautifies and upgrades the area,” added Ismail.

“I’m glad residents will be able to use the facility for exercise, play and leisure.

“I think we did justice to the budget we were allocated.”

Times the park will be open, as decided by community members, are:

Weekdays: 8.30am to noon and 2.30pm to 6pm.

Weekend times are to be decided at a later stage.