Even the noblest of intentions succumb to the entropy of circumstance.
Designed to give residents of the swelling suburban surroundings a place to enjoy the outdoors, the Wilgeheuwel X-treme Park was opened in June 2007. Reinventing a section of the greenbelt that runs through the suburb, the Lubbe Rouge Street entrance is still a welcoming sight to most passers-by. The centrepiece of the outdoor haven was a fountain that symbolised the optimism of the late 2000s.
Built in just over 24 hours and opened with much fanfare by then-mayor, Amos Masondo, the park has served the community admirably as it continues to be well maintained, with families often making use of the swings, slide and roundabout catering for the children. Now approaching 15 years to the month of the park’s opening, the three pillars of flowing water have long since ceased, leaving a pool of stagnant water that is more a magnet for litter than one for appreciative eyes.
No visible damage has been done to the structure but the pumps and electricity supply have been tampered with or removed. Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) have assessed the fountains and may consider converting the water features.
“The fountains that require the ongoing replacement of pumps and other mechanical components will be assessed and if these features are not critical to the functioning of the open space, it will be converted to a low-maintenance planter,” advised JCPZ spokesperson, Jenny Moodley.
Other than the human factor, nature has also been blamed for a perceived necessity to shut down the decorative municipal monuments. “JCPZ has been requested to comply with the current water restrictions imposed in the City of Johannesburg. All features that are dependent on potable water have been turned off,” added Moodley. Curiously, the fountain outside the Region C office in Florida Park continues to flow with the pristine precision with which it was designed, albeit behind a secure fence.
The fountain is a public asset but if the cost of upkeep outweighs the aesthetic value, a more economic solution would be necessary. Public spaces hold up a mirror to those who pass through them and by choosing pragmatic functionality over a simplistic yet calming spectacle, it reflects the esteem of the one who cares to gaze. For want of a creative alternative and if beauty and tranquility can not be preserved, perhaps soil and flowers could be shaped into a better alternative to a pit of sludge.
