Full access for public to Henderson Park

This follows the article, Public park private? published in the week ending 20 June.

In defence of fencing off the park, the headmaster of Pridwin Preparatory School, Selwyn Marx explained that City Parks had allowed the school and St Vincent’s School for the Deaf to use this space as a sports field, and in return, the park would be maintained and upgraded.

According to Joburg City Parks spokesperson Jenny Moodley, the fence along the boundary of Tyrwhitt Avenue and Venus Street had much to do with the safety of the children who would be playing sports in the park – the fence would prevent them from chasing a ball into the street.

“The fence will also provide safety and security, especially for the children from St Vincent’s school for the Deaf. They would not hear an oncoming vehicle and could easily get injured,” said Moodley.

She reassured that there was due process as a meeting was held with the Melrose and Melrose Estates ratepayers’ associations on 27 May to discuss the matter, and said there was an overwhelming vote of support for the project adoption by the meeting.

Chairperson of the Birdhaven Ratepayers’ Association, Peter Campbell said residents gave their full support during their annual general meeting earlier this year.

“At the time of agreeing to this I had the full support of the Birdhaven Ratepayers’ Association’s committee, but I did not canvass all the residents in the suburb as time was not on my side,” he admitted.

“However Pridwin has given us the assurance that access to the park will not in any way be prevented to all of those who have used the park over the years.”

Ward 74 councillor Jack Cooper said although the park had been fenced off, members of the public are allowed access.

Related article:

Public park now for private use