CONCERNS were sparked after fires were lit at Jameson Park in Morningside recently. Burnt patches of grass were found in the park after it was hired for a function.
What’s more, litter was left along the lawn near the park’s rondavel, which is a popular place for functions such as birthday parties and weddings.
Overport based veterinarian, Sanil Singh, who is the chairperson for the Mitchell Park Trust, said litter control is so time consuming that there is little time left for park staff to concentrate on beautification.
Also read: Residents demand meeting with Parks Dept following dog ban at Jameson Park
“As soon as lockdown was eased and people hired the facility for family get-togethers, disregard for general hygiene was evident. Litter and food was not placed in the bins provided. This meant park staff were required to do an extraordinary clean up the next morning,” he said.
In addition to the litter is the safety concern of open fires in the park, said Ward 27 Councillor, Ernest Smith.
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“Members of the public have utilised the park and violated the restrictions. The park is specific about not having fires and this was violated outright. The officials of the park and the Mitchel Park Trust, which Jameson Park is under, have asked me to put out a statement that they do not condone this activity. They are not happy when any parks are desiccated like this,” he said.
“Members of the public who recently approached the Parks Department and requested to utilise the facilities, lit fires and left the place in a mess. There was litter, coal and charcoal left behind,” he added.
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