Successful park cleanup by residents

The residents of Robin Hills and surrounds conducted a cleanup of Cherry Drive Park on 12 November.
Committee members of the Robins Residents and Ratepayers Association have been active over the past months in communicating with the Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo department and their ward councillor to improve the environment of the Cherry Drive Park.
The cleanup was organised by the association with the purpose of cleaning up the litter left by homeless and displaced people after the City Council commenced with removing several invasive plant species, which have been upsetting the natural environment of the park.
“We find that residents are unable to use the park and children cannot play with the swings because the park is very often covered with litter,” said the association’s chairperson, Julian Cloete.
The success of the day can be partly ascribed to various forms of communications channels which have been set up through a forum on the association’s website, as well as the enthusiasm of the volunteers. In addition, numerous WhatsApp groups run by volunteer street captains have also been formed. The communications were so successful that a large number of volunteer residents turned up at 9am on the morning at the park adjacent to the King’s School.
Cloete said, “Tons of litter was removed by the volunteers, and the park was generally cleaned and opened up. “Assistance, including help with the collection and removal of the trash, was provided by staff members from security companies namely Trojan, Ghost Squad and Community Support Services.”
Cloete added that they picked up a large number of damaged electrical appliances such as broken computer screens and television fronts. “Some of the litter is left behind by the people sleeping in the park like folded cardboard boxes and broken glass. This can make it dangerous for children or dogs to enter the park.”
Further cleanups to maintain the public parks in the area will be arranged next year. The intention is also to encourage residents to use their parks for family gatherings.
The association looks after community affairs in the suburbs between Malibongwe and Republic roads and up to Judges Avenue. To join the group, please get in touch on their website www.rrra.org.za or by email at committee@rrra.co.za