The Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg Mpho Moerane officially opened Garden Road Park in Midrand.
Accompanied by members of the mayoral council, Midrand ward councillors, the regional director Abigail Ndlovu and Johannesburg City Parks personnel, the mayor said the park was much-needed transformation in the area.
Moerane added, “This area along Garden Road used to be a dumpsite and increased criminal activity in the area. The park is a welcome site, we urge Metro police to stay visible to deter crime.”
The park, which cost more than R500 000 to construct, has an outdoor gym and trees were planted. MMC for Community Development Margaret Arnolds applauded the work the City had done and encouraged residents to take pride in the park and keep it clean.
Photo: Nokuthula Sonile
Regional manager for City Parks Region A, Joseph Ndou said a lot of time was spent clearing rubble from the park. “We spent about R250 000 and four weeks just to clear the rubble and rubbish before we could build the park.”
Noordwyk Secondary School principal Alex Tau said as the park was right next to the school, they would establish ways to use it. “There were concerns that the park might invite crime but we were reassured by Mr Ndou that trees will be planted to keep vehicles away and close off the western side of the park.”
Ward 112 councillor Lerato Mphefo said the previous dumpsite had cost the City a lot of money to clear the illegal dumping, and overgrown grass had lured criminals. “A portion of that land is a road reserve which will be great for the extension of the road by one of the developers in the area, and the park is a bonus for those who invested in the area.”
