The inner city was a hive of activity on 19 September as the long-awaited Metro Park in Newtown was officially opened by Executive Mayor, Parks Tau.
Residents of all ages, who flocked to the park on the day, were treated to hours of fun including musical performances, dancing, mimes, stilt-walkers, face painting and magic tricks.
Speaking at the opening, Tau said the park – which is flanked by the iconic Nelson Mandela Bridge and the Bree and Park Station taxi ranks – formed a critical component of the city’s efforts to link commuters and residents to recreational activities.
The park is one of many programmes to rehabilitate and regenerate the inner city, including housing developments, the building of the Nelson Mandela Bridge, and the construction of a mall.
“This newest green lung is an ideal space for relaxation and recreation – right in the hub of the inner city. [It is] an important open space that also provides the community with a safe environment to improve and work on a healthy lifestyle,” said Tau.
Also speaking at the launch, MMC for Community Development Chris Vondo said, “Open spaces such as the inner-city Metro Park positively contribute to their surrounding communities by serving as hubs of cohesion and inclusion and making areas safer in that they attract an increase in visitors, while underdeveloped spaces tend to attract criminal elements.”
The R16-million award-winning park features a playground, outdoor gym, amphitheatre, picnic tables, a drinking fountain and toilet facilities.
Earlier this year, the South African Landscapers Institute recognised the park as an excellent example of construction design at the annual South African Green Industries Council convention.
Meanwhile, residents were equally impressed, lauding the City of Joburg for the development.
“I am impressed with the accessibility of the park and its infrastructure; it is wheelchair friendly making it easy for me to get around,” said William Semetjane, a disabled resident.
Ferris Sonnbichler, a teacher a Parktown Public Primary School, said the park was fantastic and anticipated that many of her pupils, who lived in close proximity to the park, would frequent it.
However, she noted that the park could do with more bins.
Quashing earlier concerns about the maintenance and safety of the park once it was opened, Tau said businesses had committed to partner with the city to ensure the park’s maintenance and security.
Spokesperson for Joburg Parks and Zoo, Jenny Moodley explained the park would have a 24-hour security presence for the next six months, which would then be reviewed.
“Regarding the maintenance, there is a dedicated cleaner for the toilet and a person responsible for the gym. Basically the gym instructor will double up as a litter-picker and will be our eyes and ears,” she said.
