Much has been achieved at Zoo Lake during 2019
PARKVIEW – Chair of the Zoo Lake Users Committee Fran Haslam reflects on the improvements at the public park this year.
It’s been a busy and productive year at Zoo Lake, but there is still much to be done to improve the green space during 2020.
Chairperson of the Zoo Lake Users Group Fran Haslam highlighted the launch of the erosion project, gardening committee and tree committee as successes during 2019. She also spoke of the launch of MyRun, a free weekly run around the public park every Sunday.
“These initiatives are working well and we hope to see them grow and develop in 2020,” said Haslam, focusing on the success of various volunteer days during the year.
She said the Zoo Lake Users Group received an 18A tax exemption, which will assist them in fundraising for all the projects.
She thanked learners Rolo Turvey and Olufemi Oyeka for their volunteer work which saw the painting of a number of wooden benches and the raising of R30 000 to complete work at the park respectively.
Haslam was delighted to share that they have received donations of 300 indigenous trees, which will be planted over the upcoming months.
Ongoing challenges at the lake include: concerning volumes of litter remaining scattered over the park on weekends, an escalating number of displaced persons occupying the park, alcohol abuse, braaing in non-designated areas and a lack of by-law enforcement.
She continues to appeal to community members to donate or volunteer to help with general maintenance and the upgrade of Bird Island.
During 2020, Haslam aims to complete the erosion project and the planting and upgrading of flower beds as well as finalise the tree policy with Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo to ensure the maintenance and replacement of trees.
Haslam requests that all festive season visitors remember and adhere to the park by-laws when visiting the park for a picnic or other leisure activities.
“The Zoo Lake Users Committee wishes all the families and those who use Zoo Lake a happy, safe and fun 2019 holiday season.”
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