Parktown West resident and user of the Frank Brown Park in Milpark Philip Langenhoven is angered by the allegedly unsafe and disorderly state of the local park.
Langenhoven’s main concern is that the lights do not work, making the thoroughfare for commuters, particularly nurses, from Empire Road to Napier Road dangerous.
“These lights should be fixed so that nurses, who work shifts, can travel safely from their modes of transport in Empire Road to the nearby hospital,” said Langenhoven.
He is also concerned about the large storm water drain which he believes not only brings litter into the park but provides access for criminals to hide after committing crimes at the nearby traffic light on Empire Road.
“Perpetrators jump into the storm water drain and getaway through to Hillbrow after committing crimes. Also, children could fall into this dangerous drain.”
He said that large concrete structures have been abandoned in the park, which he believes should be used to cover the storm water drain, preventing access for criminals.
Langenhoven says he has made numerous attempts to contact Johannesburg City Parks concerning the general upkeep of the park but to little avail.
“I’ve seen vagrants starting fires and doing drugs here, making the park unsafe.”
He also drew attention to over knee-high grass across Wabord Road, which also creates an eyesore. In addition, he said that the state of the wooden perimeter fencing is damaged and vandalised.
“I’m mad about trees and have personally pruned trees in this park over the years. This is such a beautiful green lung and a historical park. There is always a movement of people through the park. Why should this be an eyesore? Why not use this park for the intention it was created for? This park has so much potential, but can’t be utilised because it is so unkempt.”
Spokesperson for Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo Jenny Moodley said, “Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo facilitated a meeting with the ward councillor and Johannesburg Roads Agency and the relevant contractor. There was a commitment to reinstate the area however this did not materialize.”
She added that JCPZ will escalate the problem. “City Parks apologises to residents for the inconvenience,” said Moodley.
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