FOFS invites the Parkmore community to band together and protect the park

The 40-hectare park, which is a heritage site, is an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life for many Sandtonites. With jungle gyms and other children’s play facilities, braai areas and benches, this is the perfect spot for a weekend picnic. The Braamfontein Spruit runs through the park, providing a tranquil flow of water.

Director of Friends of the Field and Study Park, Rose Johnson said, “Sandton is densifying at such a rate that a park of this size, within 15 minutes of the CBD, is really precious. Parents may ask where they can go to get away and relax for a short while or where their kids can go to kick a ball. This is the place.”

The park, which was originally farm land, was bought in 1975 by the Sandton Town Council to transform into a park. In 2006, Friends of the Field and Study was registered at the request of the community when council took over the finances of all recreation centres. The recreational centre was separated from the park, which is currently managed by Joburg City Parks.

Roughly 10 000 cars pass through the gates of the park on a monthly basis for either active or passive recreation as well as community fun days, markets and school events. Kaya Guards have been contracted to protect the facility 24/7. According to Johnson, since the guards have been employed, there have been no incidents of crime at the park.

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Johnson encourages members of the community who visit and care about the park to join Friends of the Field and Study and be part of a team of people who protect and preserve the green lung of the Sandton community.

“You don’t have to do anything if you are a member. You just have to love your park and be prepared to stand up for it when property companies battle with us to take over the land [for development]. We need public participation in these ongoing battles,” said Johnson.

Friends of the Field and Study’s income, which is used to maintain and improve facilities, is derived from membership, donations and sponsors.

Interested parties are invited to attend the Friends of the Field and Study AGM on 6 July at the Field and Study Centre in Studio 1 at 6.30pm. For more information on the park and membership, contact Johnson on 082 784 1933.

Details: www.fofs.co.za

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