Residents in Morningside have been left frustrated by illicit and dubious activities that take place at the park behind Depot 406, at the corner of Ballyclare Drive and Outspan Road.
According to a resident in the area, Sean Bradley, issues at the park have been going on for about five years, but recently there has been an increase of people who use the park for sexual activity.
“Every weekend we are clearing up used condoms from the park; a few weekends ago we picked up 11 condoms.”
Bradley said people come to the park in the early mornings or at night, and gather under the trees.
He walks in the park with his dogs and it happens more on the weekends.
He mentioned that what is concerning is that it is close to the play area for children. “A few weekends ago, a lady brought her child to the park and he actually picked up one of the condoms as he thought it was a balloon. Luckily she managed to take it from him,”
Bradley said that a few weeks ago they also found used needles and broken bottles right by the children’s play area.
Another issue that Bradley has with the park are inconsiderate users who come to the park with their dogs but do not clean up after their dogs.
“I have been asking for five years for proper signage that shows what the by-laws are,” said Bradley.
He commended the Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo team for their hard work and said they are doing a great job at regular cleaning and maintenance of the park.
Ward 103 councillor, Vincent Earp said, “The Park is situated next door to the City Parks depot. City Parks has indicated that they clean up the park and empty the bins regularly.”
Earp questioned why the residents are confronted with broken bottles, condoms and rubbish on a regular basis. “Bradley should be praised for his activism in bringing these issues to the attention of City Parks,” said Earp.
“More signage is required and greater, visible patrolling of our parks is necessary. The park is used by residents and needs to be safe and secure for children.”
He said signage at the entrance explaining what is permitted and what isn’t permitted is essential as residents bordering the park often feel vulnerable at night when people enter the park for nefarious purposes.
“They already have a security guard for their premises whose entrance is in the park. A proper fence and gates would help but unfortunately, City Parks does not have the funds.
“Residents should also report any nocturnal activities to the Metro police and the South African police. If the community negotiated with City Parks, they could sign a service level agreement and adopt the park,” concluded Earp.
Jerome, Khaya and the City park team are working hard to maintain the park, however, more support from authorities is needed.
Signage in the park to include:
- Speed limit
- No alcohol
- No glass bottles
- No fires
- No driving across the park area (except Police and Security), especially motor bikes, and
- No sexual activities.
What do you think about the misuse of the park? Share your stories with us on the Sandton Chronicle Facebook page.
Also check out:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/201002/councillors-corner-safety-at-our-public-parks-2/
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/200970/local-market-at-field-and-study-in-parkmore/
