The land, now known as Innesfree Park has the potential to be a giant playground for the young and offers an expanse of fresh, air for adults who need to unwind from city life. Richard’s son, Charles Lurie, is distraught as he feels that the park is not being used in this manner.
Charles lives on a privately owned portion of the park and he said that the park is not a backdrop for child play but rather a venue for private events and a home to illegal squatters.
When a Sandton Chronicle journalist attempted to enter the park, the security guards turned her away. City Parks spokesperson, Jenny Moodley, said entry was denied because the park recently changed security companies and the new guards were unfamiliar with the rules and regulations of the park. She stressed that the park was open to the public.
The man-made lakes in the park are filled with polluted water, and Moodley said that an investigation needs to be done on the source of the pollution in order to establish what the problem is.
Charles complained about an event in which he believed 33 000 people attended. He said it took the council four days to clean up after this party. Moodley said she was unaware of this event and explained that City Parks did lease out various parks in the city for outdoor events.
Charles is determined to not allow his father’s vision for the park to be undermined. He has made massive signs on which he has written: ‘Come play and picnic in the park. Open for all residents of Sandton to enjoy. Just please keep it clean and tidy’.
Moodley stressed that these signs are illegal and that Charles should first obtain consent from City Parks before putting them up.
Charles said his father pictured a paradise for children when he donated this land to City Parks with a pure and selfless vision. Charles knows that his only weapons are the residents of Johannesburg. So take your picnic baskets, dogs and children and enjoy the Eden of Sandton.
Details: 011 712 6615.
Do you plan on visiting Innesfree Park? Tell us on the Sandton Chronicle Facebook page
