The inner city is getting a bright new face as Johannesburg City Parks refurbishes neglected public spaces. An under-utilised park between Yeo and Raleigh streets, and Fortesque Road in the centre of Yeoville, has been the latest target of a widespread campaign by Johannesburg City Parks, in conjunction with the City of Joburg and Joburg Zoo, to spruce up Johannesburg’s green spaces.
Located close to Yeoville Police Station and post office, as well as churches, schools and apartment blocks, the park is nestled in the heart of this vibrant but struggling suburb, and its proximity to Louis Botha Avenue ties it closely to the Corridors of Freedom project, through which the City hopes to bring holistic urban renewal to Johannesburg.
According to Magdeline Khomane of Johannesburg City Parks, residents expressed their excitement about improvements to the park during consultation phases. Now that construction, which began in August, is almost complete, their hopes seem set to be fulfilled. Comprehensive upgrades saw Yeoville Park receive refurbishments to the clubhouse, tennis courts and walkways, while new multipurpose courts and outdoor gyms were provided. More seating and a boundary fence, complete with turnstile gates, were also added. A splash of colour brightened up the area as walkways and jungle gyms got a lick of paint.
Work is complete, but, following an agreement between Ward 67 councillor Sihlwele Myeki and Johannesburg City Parks operations department, the park remains closed for the moment to allow the newly-planted grass to become established before public admission in February 2015.
