The Zoo Lake Users Group looks forward to upgrading the children’s play area and completing the erosion project over the upcoming months.
Chairperson of the Zoo Lake Users Group Fran Haslam said that they have received the initial approval from Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo to upgrade the children’s play area in partnership with the Rotary Club Johannesburg New Dawn.
Haslam said, “The current playground equipment is looking tatty and in need of a revamp. We want to create a secure space for young families and children to enjoy the park,” adding that she had found inspiration at Bordeaux Park.
Project coordinator of the Rotary Club Johannesburg New Dawn Jankees Sligcher said, “We see that there are a lot of young people playing at the playground but there has been a lot of wear and tear on the current equipment. I am concerned that children could get hurt.”
Sligcher said that the idea is to rebuild the playground and help the community to help themselves to fundraise the project and make the playground safe again.
The group has spent many months on the erosion project around the lake and hopes to complete phases 4, 5 and 6 in the upcoming months. Haslam expressed her thanks to the chairman of the Rocky Road Runners Club Matodzi Tshidzumba for his donations of aloes for the project. They hope to add in some grass, complete paving around the benches and instal some gabions on the corner.
Haslam expresses her gratitude to the many community members who have continued to support Zoo Lake, even during the difficult months that have passed. “Once the lockdown restrictions have lifted, we hope to get back to doing some community action days on the erosion project.”
Haslam also thanked City Parks for their continued support, highlighting the work of Alton Rankin, Rose Abdullah and Willie Makgatho who have ensured that Zoo Lake is maintained and looking good during the lockdown, despite the challenges of having limited staff.
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