ARBOR PARK – Edwin Potgieter grew up in Arbor Park, and spent much of his youth playing at the park in Oak Avenue.
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Some of his fondest memories are of the times when he and his friends played cricket and rugby there.
“Being able to play at the park was like heaven to me. I can honestly say I spent more time there than at home,” he laughed.
However, Mr Potgieter is upset that his children will not have the pleasure of experiencing the same joys he once did, because the park equipment is rusted, broken, and dangerous.
“I do not allow my boys to play in the park. I am too worried they get hurt. I look at the equipment and it saddens me to think people have so little respect for public property. Vandals are depriving the youth of their basic childhood joys, and I do not think it is fair.”
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He noticed on several occasions that homeless people were sleeping there and using the park as a public toilet.
“Its disgusting! Where has the respect gone for taking care of what does not belong to you? It is not acceptable.”
Ward 4 Councillor, Bertie Meiring agreed the conditions of the park were terrible, and undertook to take it up at an upcoming committee meeting.
“I will address all councillors and see how we can work together to resolve the issue of the parks in Newcastle. Perhaps we can come together with the residents and form a community forum, where we can take matters in our own hands and fix up and maintain our playgrounds. I will also take the matter up with the municipality to have the broken equipment removed. If we come together with the community and find ways to look after the parks, I am sure it will make a difference,” he concluded.
If anyone is interested in joining a community park forum, SMS your name and number to Councillor Bertie Meiring on 084 406 4953.
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To report damaged park equipment or to report anyone vandalising a park, contact the Newcastle Municipality on 034 940 0440.
