Bryanston East Community Forum chairperson Ian Tumiel reflected on the successes of the forum this year and shared his plans for next year with the Sandton Chronicle.
He believes that one of the successes in the area has been the growth of the Bryanston parkrun, operating in Riverside Park, from 800 runners to now 1 200 weekly. He also thanked the community for their involvement in the very successful Spruit Day initiative that saw the cleanup of the Braamfontein Spruit and the installation of bollards along Hans Crescent to prevent illegal dumping.
He was pleased with the assistance of the 1st Bryanston Scouts who painted dustbins along the Braamfontein Spruit from 12th Avenue to Ballyclare Drive as well as the installation of a bridge to cross the stream near their clubhouse.
“This was an awkward part of the river that people had to hop over and the rocks could be quite slippery,” said Tumiel. “This bridge brings assistance to walkers, runners and cyclists navigating the route.”
While he was pleased with the successes, he also reflected on issues of illegal signage that annoys the forum.
“We take down about 200 illegal signs every week.”
He added that copper theft, littering, illegal dumping and vagrancy still posed problems in the area and needed to be addressed in the new year.
In the year ahead, the forum hope to see Riverside Park, which they maintain, used more often for social activities such as monthly markets, concerts and picnics by residents of the area. “I would also like to partner with the SPCA and other animal welfare organisations to have pet adoptions take place at the Riverside Park after the weekly parkrun.”
Tumiel concluded by sharing festive greetings with residents of his area. “We hope everyone has a safe and peaceful Christmas and that 2018 is a great year for all South Africans.”
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