On weekends, in particular, the park is abuzz with families and friends getting together for picnics, sporting activities or just relaxing in the sun.
Although the park technically falls into an adjacent ward, councillor for Ward 87, Amanda Forsythe, the ward councillor for neighbouring suburbs like Parkview and Forest Town, regularly has to deal with issues arising from Zoo Lake.
“I am contacted on a regular basis regarding illegal activities in the park that affect my residents, like open fires, people partying in the park after dark, litter and noise disturbances,” she said.
As these all relate to bylaw contraventions, Forsythe reported these matters to Metro police, but with only partial success. The main obstacle appeared to be ignorance of the bylaws by many who use the park facilities.
“Metro police approached me to assist in getting City Parks to erect more signage on the bylaws to educate the public and help them to be able to issue fines more easily,” said Forsythe.
A site meeting was held on Wednesday with City Parks, Metro police and Forsythe’s ward co-ordinator, Phillip Miya, to determine where these signs should be erected. The Zoo Lake Users Committee was also consulted on the placement of the signs.
“Although I still believe that there is enough information on what is and isn’t allowed in the park at the moment for Metro police to enforce the law, if extra signage will help make that happen, then I’m happy to facilitate it.”
Details: aforsythe@mweb.co.za
