Northcliff Eco Park reopens following festive season closure
The park was closed after levels of underage and illegal drinking and drug use posed a threat to visitors along the rocky ridge.
The Northcliff Eco Park has reopened to the public after it was closed in December due to the unruly behaviour of visitors.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo spokesperson Jenny Moodley said, “The site is popular with young revellers looking for an outdoor experience in our bustling city. However, the number of transgressions relative to the illegal consumption of alcohol in a public space, high levels of litter, the loud music and reports of drunken brawls resulted in us after consultation with security, temporarily closing the facility.”
Underage and illegal drinking on the rocky outcrop was highlighted after JMPD, SCP Security, Fairland CPF and Ward 88 councillor Nicolene Jonker raised the alarm following a raid last October.
“The panoramic site has been reopened with a new resolve to ensure the integrity of the landmark is retained,” added Moodley.
She said the deployment of security personnel who would conduct random searches for alcohol was ‘aimed at ensuring that all visitors enjoy the facility’.
SCP Security’s Clive Maher said, “We have several of our posters around the ridge and visitors are welcome to call us if they need any assistance. The park looks mostly clean after being open for a few days but bins were full of empty alcohol bottles, some being hard tac like gin. I hope it does not revert to previous unpleasantness.”
Ward 88 councillor Nicolene Jonker said, “My concerns still stand about by-law infringements like drinking in public and drug use at the Eco Park. When I visited the ridge, park rangers were stationed at the gate, checking for alcohol.
Phillip Mkhombo, the environmental management inspector, assured me they have their finger on the pulse during weekends. I suggest all complaints about the eco ridge are sent to Phillip.Mkhombo@jhbcityparks.com.”
Moodley concluded, “Transgressors can be reported to 011 712 6000 during office hours or after hours via WhatsApp on 068 087 6382.”
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