No longer suitable for children to play in or visit, the jungle gyms have gone to waste.
In earlier days, the clubhouse acted as a social area between the park and club, which was fenced off for security purposes. The fence has been broken since 2008, which has enabled people off the streets to take advantage of both the club’s and park’s facilities. The two bowling greens, once used frequently, have now become redundant. Their use is limited to beggars who look for a space to eat their lunch. The painted tyre swings are full of rubbish, blankets and broken bottles. Vagrants use the space to drink, smoke and deal drugs, making the grounds unsafe for children who attend activities at Wendywood Sports Club.
Sports club coach Allon Rock first contacted City Parks in November 2012 about the issue, and has called their direct line ten times to complain about the pile of leaves collecting in the gutter.
“I queried about the maintenance of the park and found City Park’s response useless. They arrived, looked at the bins and left,” said Rock.
Rock employed a gardener in April to sweep the leaves away, which he paid for out of his own pocket. He spoke to the local council about the wetlands earlier this year and no feedback was given about the issue. The swamp that feeds the wetlands has tripled its growth since the beginning of this year, and in time will take over the park if not dealt with.
However, when asked for comment, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo spokesperson Jenny Moodley said, “Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo have deployed a team to the site to undertake the necessary maintenance in the park. The team has commenced work and will ensure that the safety of children using the playground is not compromised.”
