I READ the recent article about improvements to the Memorial Park (Highway Mail week ending 10 July).
It is wonderful that at last there will be some work done, but hugely disappointing that no mention is made of the children’s play area.
This is a very small section of this huge park, and needs to be fenced off/gated. And a board which reads: No dogs allowed. Many dog owners do not pick up their dog excrement, making the park a health hazard for all, but especially for children. This is the only public park with equipment for children in the entire Upper Highway.
So much money is being spent on boards, signs, rails to demarcate the grasslands, wetlands and parking areas, but not one cent is being spent on the play area. I have walked our dogs there for years, but would never take my grandchildren there as it is too much of a health risk.
There needs to be some sort of official or volunteers who can either fine or tell such people to leave the park, for example: those who leave their dog poops for others to step on!
“So much money is being spent on boards, signs, rails to demarcate the grasslands, wetlands and parking areas, but not one cent is being spent on the play area.” – Olive LucasEven though there are packets provided, all visitors should always bring their own refuse bags. The flap bins are also impractical when they are full, as the poop then contaminates the flaps and one has to touch those flaps! They also need more bins, as there are too few and too far apart. Maybe dog owners would be more inclined to pick up and dispose of their dog’s droppings if they don’t have to walk too far.
Among the signboards, I hope there will be many reminding dog walkers to clean up and consider other dogs and their owners – and some threat of prosecution!
This is a lovely scenic park for photo shoots, but for the above reason, also not so desirable. Who wants to step in poo? Such a pity that a few indifferent, lazy, selfish people ruin it for everyone else. This is a common trend at our beachfronts too!
I hope you will be able to raise awareness of this problem, and that there will be positive changes to make this beautiful park a pleasure for all to enjoy.
Olive Lucas
Kloof
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