New development for Suideroord
Residents will soon be able to spend time in a new park in Maritz Street
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2015/11/46ccsocgeneralp_97717.jpg)
JOHANNESBURG SOUTH – Residents of Suideroord can soon enjoy a new park on Maritz Street which is currently being developed by City Parks and Zoo.
Play equipment has already been set up on the huge space of land where there will also be a seating area for parents and guardians to watch the children play.
A walkway and trees were put up by a team of maintenance workers on November 2. Although there has been complaints from some residents, the ward councillor has come forward to address these concerns.
Ward 54 councillor Sergio Dos Santos said: “There have been a few complaints regarding youngsters sitting at the park, drinking and playing loud music from their vehicle, as well as actually driving the vehicle onto the park itself.”
The establishment of the park was a special request from the executive mayor, Parks Tau, and according to Dos Santos, the park was originally supposed to have a skate park or skate track.
There are more developments set to take place at the park. Dos Santos added: “I have requested that Green Gyms be installed, bollards to prevent vehicles from driving onto the park and my wish is that a cycling development track be built. This will help youngsters learning how to ride their bicycles.”
Dos Santos said that he also wanted this park to be moved to Xavier Reef Estates in Ormonde, to uplift the area as there is a major need for it before Suideroord area.
“This request was not approved and the park will remain in Suideroord. I was also not happy with the intended skate park. Many residents were very much against the skate park. After many complaints, the skate park was scrapped and the play equipment was agreed too. The park remained in Suideroord and I think the park is an asset to the area. There was no such park in the whole of the southern part of Ward 54 and it allows youngsters and families to enjoy their time there. The main problem is that some individuals have taken to using the park as an area to drink and party, which was not the intended purpose as it disrupts the surrounding homes due to noise levels. I urge all families to make use of the park for its intended purpose,” noted the councillor.
Should residents witness anyone drinking and driving their vehicle in the park, they can contact the relevant authorities. They are also welcome to contact Clr Dos Santos on 082 394 4053.