Community of Delarey stands up for what is theirs

Residents are standing together to take back their community.

The park at the tennis courts in Delarey is being upgraded due to the co-operation of the community members as well as City Parks and Zoo (CPZ). On May 10, the Roodepoort Record reported on a body that was found at the tennis courts. The residents stated they heard screams and saw flames originating from the park, but were unable to see what was happening as it was at night and there were no lights in the park. Further, the overhanging trees obstructed the view of the park from all sides.

After numerous attempts at getting the city to fix the issues at the park and tennis courts, residents had enough and took the matter into their own hands. They cut the trees, put a fence around the building structure, and installed solar lights, they also cleaned up the area and are in the process of painting the building and trying to make other repairs to it as well. They also fixed the playground equipment in the park, except for the material underneath the equipment which was done by CPZ, who also cut the grass.

“With the body being found it was very much like the last straw,” said Ward 86 councillor, Chantelle Fourie-Shawe.

• Also read: Body found at tennis courts in Delarey

Kyle Dunbar, a resident noted they have been trying to get the city to make repairs for two years with no results, however after a person lost their life, they are allowing the community to make a few changes. They were allowed to trim the trees to allow visibility, however, the building was still used as a place for vagrants to overnight.

Madelein van der Merwe, another resident explained they also patrol the area regularly.

Gawie Smit, a committee member for Ward 86 explained they are still appealing for a letter of permission from the city to renovate the area as residents want to rent out the tennis courts to sports clubs or schools to utilise, and fix the building for spectators. He continued they would need the permission letter for a period of at least five to 10 years because they wouldn’t be able to get investors if it is only for a year. He noted they would fix it up and then it would fall into ruin again, which would be a waste of funds.

Dunbar added one court is estimated to cost R1.2m and there are four courts. He stated they want to repurpose the tennis courts to accommodate different sporting activities.

Faiza Marks, a resident said, “We can not handle another ordeal such as the murder, it’s too much.”

Fourie-Shawe concluded, “It is really just residents taking ownership of their park.”