AS a co-operative effort between eThekwini Parks Department and the Kloof Conservancy, the major upgrade of Memorial Park was completed in early December.
The park facelift was the first major improvement since the removal of most invasive alien species and the rehabilitation and restoration of its wetlands in 2005.
The Parks Department funded the upgrade of the parking areas, a paved path and demarcation with post and rail fencing of the wetlands and grasslands.
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“While the park is well known as a dog-friendly park, many visitors with small children requested a safe area where small children could play without worrying about being bowled-over by over-enthusiastic dogs,” said the Kloof Conservancy’s chairman, Paolo Candotti.
As the municipal budget was depleted, the Kloof Conservancy agreed to fund the fencing of the children’s play area at a cost of R50 000.
The fence was installed by Green-Dot fencing, a firm supporter of the conservancy in its other local initiatives.
“One final task for 2020 was to improve the biodiversity of the grasslands and the Parks Department provided approximately 300 grassland plants, from a list provided by Geoff Nichols, that were then planted by Ian Sandison, Kathleen Hastie and Dumsani Mabika,” said Candotti.
The plants were supplied from the municipalities Silverglen Medicinal Nursery in Chatsworth, which specialises in indigenous plants that are at risk due to overexploitation for the muti trade.
“The park does require ongoing maintenance, and the Parks Department are doing their best, under tight financial constraints, to maintain the high standards that have been achieved at Memorial Park. The improvements have significantly enhanced the park, which is a very important community asset for all residents,” he said.
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