Blairgowrie residents have taken matters into their own hands to restore the look of their suburb by repainting street curbs that the city has long neglected. Led by a dedicated few, this initiative is helping to rejuvenate the area and inspire a sense of community.
The idea began when one resident took it upon himself to repaint an intersection several months ago. This act sparked the interest of others, including Marlies Bron, a member of the Blairgowrie Community Association (BCA), who saw it as a way to bring residents together and reclaim their suburbs from years of neglect.
“Our first curb painting session took place in June with just three people. But it was important to get residents involved in their own streets,” Bron explains. This led to the creation of ‘Operation Sparkle’, a movement where residents work together to spruce up their neighbourhood. The goal is simple: to make Blairgowrie look better, one curb at a time.
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The scale of the task is daunting, as nearly every curb in the suburb needs repainting. “It must have been many years since they were last painted,” says Bron. However, the team is determined to press on, using durable road marking paint specifically intended for the job. With the help of laser-cut stencils, even street names are being restored, ensuring a neat and polished look.
The initiative quickly gained traction within the community. “The feedback has been incredibly positive,” says Bron. “We got that sense of community back again, working side by side as neighbours. People driving past were praising the work and asking how they could get involved.” The fresh coat of paint has not only uplifted the area’s appearance but also fostered stronger connections among neighbours.
The funding for the project initially came from the Blairgowrie Resident’s Association. Now, donations from residents are keeping the momentum going. Each street sponsors its stencil for street names, and local businesses like Universal Paints have generously provided supplies at a significant discount.
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However, repainting the curbs has not been without challenges. One of the main obstacles is the preparation involved in clearing overgrown weeds and grass. In some areas, curbs have been damaged by Johannesburg Water’s work on leaks, leaving stones missing or broken. These will need attention from the city before the painting can continue.
Despite these challenges, the community’s determination has not wavered. Blairgowrie’s local councillors are aware of the initiative and fully support it, giving the residents confidence to continue with their efforts.
Although road safety wasn’t the primary objective of the repainting project, the newly painted curbs are certainly helping to make the streets more visible and organised.
Looking ahead, Bron and the team are planning a second ‘Operation Sparkle’ weekend on September 7 and 8. More streets have expressed interest in joining, and those who participated in the first operation are eager to continue their work.
“We’d love to see the whole of Blairgowrie repainted,” says Bron. The community spirit that has grown through this initiative is likely to ensure that the project reaches that goal, one curb at a time.
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