James and Ethel Gray Park to see major upgrades thanks to public-private partnerships
MELROSE – Security concerns at the James and Ethel Gray Park should soon become a thing of the past.
The James and Ethel Gray Park in Melrose is set to see massive security and cleanliness upgrades in the upcoming month’s thanks to a number of public-private partnerships.
These partnerships have taken place between Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, the James and Ethel Gray Foundation, Birdhaven Ratepayers Association, Melrose North Ratepayers Association, Amdec and Cochrane fencing.
Chair of the James and Ethel Gray Foundation Sunil Geness, who also resides in the area, said, “What was happening in the park before was unbelievable. There was trash all over the place, people living in the park and overgrown trees. After coming here in December with MMC Nonhlanhla Sifumba, we had a dialogue with the homeless and established an agreement to adopt the park.”
Thanks to a sponsorship from Cochrane, the park will soon be fenced with an R4-million sponsorship of ClearVu fencing. Security personnel will also be present and regular park clean-ups will be conducted.
“We want more initiatives that create a serene, peaceful and secure park,” said Geness.
Ward 76 councillor Dave Fisher said that public-private partnerships are vital to see the park’s development. He also emphasised the importance of the park to preserve the ecology of the area.
MMC for Community Development Nonhlanhla Sifumba said she was thankful for the various partnerships that will uplift the park through improved safety, aesthetics and by-law enforcement. She also highlighted the challenges faced by the City associated with migrants living in the park illegally. She said that Metro police will ensure the implementation of by-laws in the park.
“The tireless efforts of our partners do not go unnoticed. This is a great example of community ownership,” said Sifumba.
Chair of the Birdhaven Ratepayers Association Brad Serebro said, “This event is the culmination of a process to take the park back to what it should be… In six months from now, it will become an inclusive, safe and accessible space for all.”
James Peach of the Melrose North Ratepayers Association echoed Serebro’s sentiments.
Operations manager of Amdec (developers of Melrose Arch) Reiner Henschel said Amdec has been involved with the project for the past 12 years and look forward to managing the park from a landscaping perspective in the years to come.
Henchel also mentioned his desire to instal more playgrounds at the park.
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