Residents take lawn into their own hands
BLAIRGOWRIE – Residents grow tired of waiting, purchase lawn mower and cut grass themselves.
Residents have banded together to purchase a R25 000 lawnmower to cut the grass in Kenworthy Park because the local government does not do so often enough.
The idea was put forward by a subcommittee of the Blairgowrie Community Association (BCA), the Kenworthy Circle Community Association, which caters for about 100 households around the Kenworthy Circle, in Blairgowrie.
“Last year they [Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo] only mowed it about four times,” said resident Deborah Hall.
Deborah’s mother Gail said, “I don’t want to run them down but it doesn’t stay looking good.”
The two women explained that the community loves using the park, with families visiting it often, and even cricket games being played on the weekend.
Residents officially unveiled the lawnmower on 29 January, and mowed long streaks down the middle of the park, while sharing drinks.
“Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo would like to commend the efforts of the Blairgowrie Community Association,” said the entity’s spokesperson Jenny Moodley.
“The offer of ongoing assistance by the BCA will alleviate the pressure on City Parks’ resources to address service shortfalls in other areas in the region.”
BCA chairperson Jed Kemery said that Kenworthy Park is a “potentially beautiful space” and no one can blame nearby residents for cutting the grass themselves. However, she added, “We are still paying rates and taxes to a City for these services and they should be held accountable. Resident associations should not be spending money on things that we’re already paying the City to do.”
Details: Blairgowrie Community Association 071 345 0209;
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo 011 712 6600.
