Hamilton Park saw the planting of 35 indigenous trees bringing shade, oxygen and soil stabilisation to the popular public park.
Hamilton Park steering committee member and leader of the tree-planting project David Lea said that just under R18 000 was raised through generous donations from residents.
“We decided to plant all indigenous trees and found trees that were the least susceptible to shot-hole borers. At least 30 per cent of the older trees are showing signs of infestation,” said Lea.
Arborist Neil Hill from Urban Arborist and his team planted the trees in various locations at the park.
Lea said that the committee wanted to plant trees in order to upgrade the park and encourage more people to use the public space.
Head of the Hamilton Park Steering Committee Joss du Trevou said he was grateful for the contributions from various residents, the assistance of Urban Arborist and the approval from City Parks. “The trees will make the park more user-friendly and encourage people to spend more time in the park having picnics. The trees will create shade, stabilise the soil, which is eroding on the riverbanks and replace trees infested by shot-hole borer,” said Du Trevou.
The park intersects the communities of Craighall Park and Parkhurst. Du Trevou said that these areas are steeped in history, with many families having lived in the area for generations. “By donating a tree, residents have the opportunity to leave a family legacy and at the same time help the park look more beautiful.”
Parkhurst resident and lead singer of the band Mango Groove Claire Johnston donated money for four trees to be planted in memory of loved ones she has lost. “I’m obsessed with trees and what they do for the environment. Three of my family members and my dog will now be remembered by the planting of these trees,” said Johnston.
The committee’s next project is to upgrade the riverbanks in order to reduce erosion. They hope to purchase gabions which will hold back the soil when the river is flooded. The committee also hopes to upgrade the children’s play equipment and get more dustbins.
Locals who would like to donate to or volunteer in the upcoming projects can email Joss du Trevou on joss.dutrevou@gmail.com or like the Hamilton Park Johannesburg Facebook page for more details.
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