New safe green space for Beverley residents
BEVERLEY – Ward 94 councillor David Foley says the park should be semi-functional by December.
Beverley residents can look forward to the development of a new, safe community park on Mulbarton Road in the coming weeks.
Ward 94 councillor David Foley is working with general manager for operations at Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, Joseph Ndou, to upgrade the vacant land on Mulbarton Road, starting with fencing, which should be installed within a week.
Foley said he has been engaging with the Johannesburg Roads Agency and City Parks for four years to utilise this space for the benefit of the community. “We need a green area in Beverley. The closest park for residents is in Lonehill [5kms away]. We want to create a safe space for residents to exercise, picnic and relax with their friends,” explained Foley.
The new Beverley Park will not allow dogs but will provide safe parking for 20 cars, with benches, children’s play equipment, gym equipment and indigenous trees to be installed over the next year, depending on City Parks budgets. Foley said, “We hope to make this a semi-functional space by December.”
Ndou said, “Our biggest drive as City Parks is to see this park being used by the Beverley community in order to create social cohesion, improve quality of life, preserve green space and promote healthy living. This is especially important at a time where more and more high-rise developments are taking place, limiting the green space for residents to exercise.
“JCPZ wants to preserve open spaces and create new parks in these areas, where kids can play and enjoy time outside. As time goes on, parks will become cherished spaces, especially in Region A.”
Ndou added that the rejuvenation of the park will indirectly bump up property values in the area.
The park will be maintained through a public-private partnership with the Lonehill Residents Association (LRA). Foley encourages residents to contribute to LRA’s environmental fund, which will carry out maintenance at the park.
Foley said, “Jogging on the road has become unsafe but the Beverley Park will provide a secure space to get some exercise. We hope to instal cameras here in future.
“I would like to thank Joseph and JCPZ for coming through to invest in this suburb.”
Details: David Foley 082 902 5003; ward94jhbmetro@gmail.com
