Hamilton Park appears to be on the road to recovery following the establishment of a new steering committee.
The park, which lies between the suburbs of Craighall Park and Parkhurst, was a bone of contention before a heated meeting took place on 21 January. This was reported in Debate sees residents on both sides of the fence, [Week ending 1 February].
Following the meeting, 75 residents agreed to be put on a WhatsApp group to receive communications regarding any developments at the park. Twelve residents from Parkhurst and Craighall Park volunteered to be part of the steering committee which had their first meeting on 18 February.
Joss du Trevou who heads up the new committee said, “While we always had residents from both Parkhurst and Craighall Park on our ‘informal’ WhatsApp group, we believe that we now have given everyone a fair chance at voicing their opinions.
“Our plan is to take a step back and look at the park from a more holistic point of view. While we have varying views and opinions about the fence, we are all in agreement that our primary objective is to increase activity in the park.”
Six portfolios have been created within the steering committee of which the safety portfolio will review security needs and solutions available, taking into account financial and socioeconomic concerns.
“Any decisions will be backed by appropriate channels being followed i.e. resident petitions, City Parks approval etc,” said du Trevou.
The committee hopes to also conduct monthly park clean-ups, allowing residents to work together for a common cause and create a sense of unity and purpose. The first of these events took place on 16 February.
Parkhurst resident Christoff Hamman, who leads the safety portfolio alongside Michelle Kamtra, said, “We have taken a step back to ensure that any solution is well considered and understood with no preconceived preferred outcome. I would like to believe that the consultative process will result in the solution being accepted by the community, whatever the outcome.”
Hamman said that the heated meeting in January resulted in residents realising that if they want to have a voice regarding a solution, they should become actively involved in transforming the park.
Ward 117 councillor Tim Truluck said, “I am very glad that the residents are moving forward on creating an inclusive group to help manage the park.”
Like the Hamilton Park – Johannesburg page on Facebook to keep up to date with any developments.
Related articles:
Robust dialogue brings about more inclusive solution to the future of Hamilton Park
Residents disagree over the erection of a fence across the Parkhurst side of the Hamilton Park
-
-
-
-
