Criminals destroy newly revamped parks in Yeoville
YEOVILLE – A fence and pieces of the playground were stolen and the rubber matting and swings damaged.
Recreational equipment worth millions of rands was stolen overnight at two parks in Yeoville less than 24 hours after MMC for Community Development Nonhlanhla Sifumba officially handed over the revamped parks to residents in the area.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo has expressed its sadness on what it called the deliberate act of vandalism of the two new parks launched on 4 April. When residents woke the following morning, all the equipment, worth millions had gone and the murals created to decorate the parks had been defaced and spray-painted.
Read: City Parks officially unveils the revamped Cavendish Park in Yeoville
The two revamped parks, Bellevue and Cavendish, were rolled out at a cost of R6 million and they included an indoor soccer field, skate ramps, outdoor gym equipment, playgrounds, fences, grassed and treed areas for both active and passive recreation.
Moodley could not ascertain the costs of the damages and said a report is being prepared to be sent to the City’s insurance company. “I am awaiting the final report, however, at this stage, the fence and pieces of playground have been stolen and the rubber matting and swings damaged at Bellevue Park.
“The Cavendish Park has seen some of the free-to-use outdoor guys being damaged. The incident will be reported to the law enforcement authorities once the report is finalised with cost estimates.”
Asked if City Park has any plans to deploy security on-site to ensure that there is no repeat of such incident in future, Moodley said they had not reached such a decision yet.
“Unfortunately there are no plans to put in place a dedicated security team – however, the rangers and the Metro police will increase patrols in the area.
“We also appeal to the communities to put in place friends of the park committee to zealously protect these new parks.”
Read: Metro police raid popular shebeen in Yeoville
Space to play in, socialise at, and to reflect in, Moodley said is critical especially in Bellevue and Yeoville where there are communities living mostly in densely populated high-rise buildings.
Residents are urged to report all complaints to the Metro police on 011 375 5911.
Details: Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo 011 375 5555.
