Politicians can make a real impact

I drive past the same park almost daily and for years have witnessed how it constantly undergoes a metamorphosis.

About a quarter of a century ago, a part of the park was developed and now houses a small shopping mall.

But it still boasts a beautiful little dam with fishing spots, lawn areas and a walkaway almost all the way round.

In the past decade, the old-style play park with its swings, skyhigh slide, see-saw and witch’s hat was replaced with modern, colourful gym equipment.

While I was sad to see the vintage playground disappear, this change has been embraced by the community, with the modern free-to-use outdoor gym in use almost constantly.

But the changes to the park are not all related to development.

The seasons also play their part. In summer, the fitness fanatics, children from the neighbourhood and old folk going for a stroll are out en masse.

In winter it’s mostly the dog walkers, duck feeders and diehard fishermen.

The economic climate also plays a huge role.

Shortly after the start of the Covid pandemic, one area was annexed by a small group of seemingly recently homeless people.

They huddled together at night like a band of gypsies, apparently sharing the meagre spoils they managed to procure from the few kind-hearted people during long hours at various traffic lights.

As the lockdown extended, their numbers grew, until they were eventually forced to scatter by the authorities responsible for maintaining law and order.

Last weekend, as the solstice of the voting season approaches, the park experienced something new.

A blue T-shirted group congregated to clean up the park. Armed with plastic gloves and garbage bags, they “cleaned up”, focusing on areas most visible to passing motorists.

Not that the park, in my opinion, needed a clean-up. In fact, I can think of many other needs in the area, most notably those of the band of homeless.

I understand that politicking is something which all politicians do, but if it must be done, don’t make it cheap. Make it count.