Sydenham pool and Hoy Park continue to be a problem

When the Sydenham pool officially opened to the public on 1 September, residents experienced loud noise, drinking in public and transgression of by-laws by visitors to Hoy Park.

The swimming pool is adjacent to the park and both attract visitors during the swimming season.

Residents had initially held a meeting on 28 August at Jabula Recreational Centre to find measures to curb the problems they experience every year when public pools open in the city. Ward 72 Councillor Lionel Greenberg invited officials from City Parks and Metro police of Region E to find amicable solutions to the issues.

Resident and Ward 72 branch chairperson Joanne Greenberg claimed, however, when the pool officially opened the problems persisted with the transgression of by-laws, drinking in public, littering and loud music being played by visitors with no regard to residents.

People had braais in the park and also took alcohol to the pool area while young children were not attended to.

“We as residents are more than happy to have people coming to the pool, we are not, however, willing to have the peace and suburb disturbed as a result of unruly inconsiderate people who are coming into the area,” she said.

Greenberg added that they couldn’t have seven months of this conduct in the neighbourhood and wanted the City to address their problems.

Councillor Greenberg said, “It was utter chaos at Sydenham pool [on 1 September], no park rangers and JMPD arrived at almost 8pm.”

Residents were planning to set up another meeting and invite City officials again as they anticipate the same problem to occur again on 24 September which is Heritage Day.

City Parks spokesperson Jenny Moodley said they had been in contact with councillor Greenberg to discuss possible solutions to curb anti-social behaviour in Hoy Park.

“We plan to install bollards to deter visitors from illegally parking on the lawns. There are over 2 370 parks and open spaces in the city. Most of these spaces will require between four and 20 personnel per facility daily,” she said.

Moodley added that it would not be financially feasible to post security officers at Hoy Park.

“However we are appealing to the local security companies to complement visible policing by Metro police and to include this park in their daily patrols. The warm weather is upon us and this will see more residents coming out into the open to enjoy the outdoors,” she said.

City Parks also appealed to visitors to the park to respect communities surrounding these facilities by parking in the allocated bays, refraining from consuming alcohol in the park or the swimming pool, disposing of litter in the bins provided and avoid generating unnecessary noise outside the swimming pool.

“Complying with the by-laws will ensure that you have an enjoyable recreational experience in the city’s parks. Please report all transgressions to Metro police,” she said.

Details: City Parks 0860 56 28 74 or 011 375 5555, Metro police 011 375 5911.

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https://northeasterntribune.co.za/238395/walk-talk-implement-several-road-closures/