WATCH: Wentworth residents thrilled at new cycle and skateboard park

IN an attempt to create a change in Wentworth through sport and recreation, community leaders who envisioned the K1 Park in Tuin Road being turned into an exciting and challenging cycling and skateboard park, watched as their dreams became a reality.

Former teacher Jean Choudree was confident that the park could become a hub of activity for youngsters, steering them away from the social ills that plague the once close-knit community, so she began the project in 2019.

Watch – New park

The park has already begun to create opportunities for locals and has given birth to the Community Empowerment Cycle workshop, which will be hosted to benefit residents.

“This initiative will also alleviate the ongoing gun violence in the community, as it will take the children off the street. We urge the community to take advantage of this opportunity,” Choudree added.

The Cycling Academy team say that the initiative was made possible by an overseas donor, a German sponsor; the eThekwini Transport Authority; the eThekwini Municipality; the Department of Forestry and Fisheries, and Shaun Peschl, a former champion cyclist. Local sponsors also contributed.

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Some of the proposed educational and skills programmes and activities that will be offered include professional cycling coaching; English and mathematics classes twice weekly; reading and literacy classes; storytelling, and music lessons for beginners.
Environmental stewardship amongst children and youth will also be encouraged through clean-ups and conservation awareness. Homework supervision and matric study programmes; short skills courses for adults, and the promotion of tourism in sports as well as remedial education for children with learning disabilities will also be offered.