Upgraded park soon to be launched
STRUBENS VALLEY – Taking ownership of their park, a local community is set to upgrade a section of its greenbelt before the end of November.
After the Strubens Valley and Little Falls Community (Lifco) successfully fenced off the greenbelt area at the end of October, the project has since moved on to its second phase – upgrading the lake and park within the same greenbelt.
Wynand Vorster, the project coordinator and adjacent neighbour to the park, said this project took off on 11 October, days after the fence went up. “The plan is to complete this project before the end of November. The more we all get involved, the more likely it will be to realise this vision,” he said.
Within Lifco, Vorster is part of the Lakes Park Committee that will see to the upgrade of the presently unsafe walkway, the lawn and maintenance of the playground equipment. The palisade fence will be painted and the gazebo will be upgraded to a clubhouse. To add to the sense of community, four braai areas and more rubbish bins will also be installed. A toilet is also proposed for the park.
The dam also needs repairing, a project for next year, Vorster said.
“But it will be cleaned, the cattail removed and a jetty will be built that can be used for catch-and-release fishing,” he said.
A major project indeed. But Lifco believes that the community will benefit from the open and safe space.
Carl Mann, Ward 85 councillor, said Lifco members are taking ownership of the park and he gladly supports the initiative.
Reg Mazibuko, Lifco chairperson, in turn, thanked Mann for his ongoing support and guidance in working with the City of Johannesburg.
On 3 December, residents will be able to visit the upgraded park entered from Horseshoe Street on the western boundary of the lake.
Lifco is embarking on more projects within the community, all of which are listed and explained on their website www.lifco.co.za
