The Zoo Lake Users group is excited about their proposed master plan, which seeks to uplift and refurbish the Zoo Lake precinct, making it a tourist attraction and central park in the heart of Joburg.
Chairperson of the Zoo Lake Users committee Fran Haslam said, “Our master plan has been approved as a legacy project by Executive Mayor Herman Mashaba and aims to make the park safer, cleaner and greener for the whole community to enjoy.
“We need to work together with the City to ensure sustainability. We want to leave behind a legacy that is workable, sustainable and affordable for the next generation.”
She explained that in order to bring about this master plan, the community and City need to come together to ensure that by-laws are adhered to and that maintenance is completed. “There is so much that needs to be done here [at Zoo Lake].
“We recognise that this is a heritage park and want it to become the best in the City and link up with the greater Zoo Lake precinct.”
She said that thus far, one of the biggest issues at the park has been security and the proper enforcement of by-laws.
In order to bring about the master plan, Haslam and her team have teamed up with architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, urban and landscape designers, residents associations and City entities including Metro police, Saps, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, Joburg Water, JRA and City Power to come on board and give their buy-in.
Haslam added that while it is wonderful to receive short-term funding to do improvements around the park, the longevity and sustainability of the improvements are vital.
Projects currently in the pipeline for the park include an erosion project around the lake, ongoing maintenance reports to City Parks and security upgrades.
Haslam appeals to community members who have an interest in the park to support them by giving of their skills on the Zoo Lake Users committee or contributing financially to the proposed upgrades.
Particularly over the festive period, the committee would like funding to up security at the park over the holiday period.
If you are able to assist in any way, contact Fran Haslam on haslamfran@gmail.com
