GALLERY: Erosion project at Zoo Lake gets off to a good start
PARKVIEW – Members of the Zoo Lake Users Group were joined by Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, Moyo restaurant, Rocky Road Runners, The Ridge School, various residents associations and community members on the day.
Close on 100 community members got their hands dirty on 1 June as they began the first three phases of the erosion project at Zoo Lake.
Chairperson of the Zoo Lake Users Group Fran Haslam was overjoyed at the turnout on the day and the progress of the project.
“I am so pleased with the fantastic support from the community today. This is a phenomenal turnout and I hope this will help the erosion project to finally get going. We invite community members to join in more of the upcoming action days to see this project completed.”
Members of the Zoo Lake Users Group were assisted by volunteers from The Ridge School, workers from Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), Moyo restaurant, Rocky Road Runners, university students and various residents associations on the day.
Regional manager for Region B at JCPZ Alton Rankin described the community-organised event as a ‘noble task’, which was highly appreciated by the City and said the organisation will assist in helping Zoo Lake become the ‘Central Park’ of Johannesburg.
“Getting involved today was at the top of our priority list. We look forward to partnerships like these with the Zoo Lake Users Group that see community members owning their parks and taking pride in them,” said Rankin.
Parkwood resident Arvinda Sooka, who heard about the erosion project through the Rosebank Killarney Gazette, said, “I walk and run here regularly and felt that this park needed some upkeep. It has deteriorated quite a lot and we need to take care of our park and our birds. A pleasant environment really helps.”
Wits University student Neville van der Spuy, who also read about the project in the Rosebank Killarney Gazette, said, “I saw the article and contacted Fran. I have grown up around Zoo Lake and thought it could do with an aesthetic update. Getting involved was a no-brainer.”
Ward 117 committee member Christo Morolong described Zoo Lake as an iconic attraction for the City that needs to be preserved. “As a resident, I decided to get my hands dirty and get involved to bring this park up to standard.”
Centenary committee member at The Ridge School Melissa Mussett said that the boys at The Ridge were challenged to spend the day doing ‘the right stuff’ across the City.
During the event, Haslam awarded The Ridge learner Olufemi Oyeka a certificate and medal for his efforts to uplift Zoo Lake. Olufemi has now been honoured with the title of Zoo Lake Junior Ambassador after raising R30 250 for the project.
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