Safety for people who utilise parks is important and necessary. After extensive research, the James and Ethel Gray Park Foundation (JEGPF), in partnership with the Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), has developed a pragmatic approach to bolster safety and security efforts for all park users, but especially for women and children.
According to the foundation chairperson Sunil Geness, this approach has been informed by a detailed analysis of the park’s design, with an emphasis on the physical characteristics of the park. Clear, concise additional signage, among others, emerged as important in the research findings because people, especially women and girls, tend to feel safer when they know how to navigate the park’s various open spaces.
Several programmes implemented by the foundation include the installation of perimeter fencing, installation of more effective lighting in the park, regular park clean-up drives, litter and waste-removal and many more.
Geness said these initiatives, most of which have been undertaken by volunteers from the local community, have augmented City Parks’ scheduled maintenance. To further strengthen the support and involvement of residents and the community, the foundation has also recently set up a volunteer WhatsApp group which has rapidly gained momentum.
MMC for Community Development Margaret Arnolds commended the foundation for initiating community involvement in the facility. Arnolds said, “The work of the foundation in partnership with JCPZ, other City of Joburg entities, volunteers, resident associations and the private sector is a blueprint for best-practice in modern joint urban park management. Park safety has improved and a clear indicator is a huge number of mums with their babies that visit this space.”
Regular park user Carla Berman of Melrose North believes, “Group efforts and support for the JEGPF have been inspiring. The park has had a long-overdue rebirth and given way to a safe, clean and consistently improving space where families can really relax and enjoy the outdoors. As a mother of two young kids, it’s assuring to know that we can return to our neighbourhood park with little concern.”
Abbotsford resident Thembi Shabangu said, “As women, we would like to thank the board of the foundation, the volunteers and supporters for their selfless commitment in organising the joint efforts for the benefit of the park and all communities. We call on the JCPZ to enable physical security in the park at all times to ensure the long-term safety of women and children.”
Geness concluded, “Park utilisation has increased exponentially under lockdown Level 3 conditions. The foundation will continuously and consistently intensify efforts and specific actions during Women’s Month and beyond to allow girls and women to utilise and enjoy the park to the fullest extent without experiencing fear or discrimination.”
Details: To support the work of the foundation through in-kind support and cash donations send an email to info@clickndonate.com; 067 285 2015
