Ward 73 recently celebrated the launch of Paterson Park Multipurpose Centre.
As part of the City of Johannesburg’s strategy to meet the demand for new social infrastructure, the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) completed the construction of the centre.
In a statement issued by the City, this development will benefit the community of Norwood, Orchards, Orange Grove and adjacent neighbourhoods.
The statement further said this modern architecturally designed recreational facility would provide a safe space that facilitates the development of fundamental skills such as reading and writing, in conjunction with sport, physical activity and health to stimulate growth and development in the community.
The Paterson Park Sports and Recreation facility is equipped with an Olympic-style swimming pool and splash pool with a grandstand for spectators.
A full-size soccer field, two smaller 5-a-side fields, as well as two tennis courts, a multi court and a basketball court with a pavilion, offer a wider range of new programmes and activities. In addition, the park offers an enclosed multi-functional sports hall with a fully equipped gym.
From a learning perspective, the centre offers learning facilitation through a state-of-the-art library, a craft centre to facilitate artistic expression and growth, and an amphitheatre for community-organised shows, presentations and recitals.
It includes an administrative building, security house and generator to ensure optimal functionality at all times. The creation of adequate, safe and accessible adjacent parking has also been provided.
JDA CEO Anthony Ngcezula and the |City’s MMC for Development Planning, Lawrence Khoza, recently conducted an oversight tour of the facility.
JDA appointed the contractor in May 2019 for the construction of the facility. While the project allowed community residents to have input into the development, it also uplifted the community through job creation for local SMMEs in line with the local job creation principles.
Thirty per cent of the construction contract was awarded to SMMEs in the ward, and 12 SMMEs and 45 Expanded Public Works Programme job opportunities were created during construction.
“Over and above the importance of completing this project is ensuring that it is protected. A sense of ownership from the community for this project will be important so that the facility is used even for future generations,” Khoza said.
Ward 73 councillor Eleanor Huggett said she became involved in the project when it had already started and there were lots of challenges involved including changing of construction companies. “After a while we set up a steering committee and sadly, Marian Laserson, who is an architect and part of the community, died of Covid-19 two months ago. She was massively instrumental in keeping the project on track. I am so proud of the facility and I myself can’t wait for it to be opened. It’s a big win for the community.”
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