R2-mil facelift for Montclair park

A LONG-TERM dream of a councillor is finally coming true as a R2-million park upgrade and rehabilitation has been set in motion for Montclair park.

Montclair ward councillor, Billie Prinsloo has petitioned for the upgrade of the Montclair park situated in the heart of the area for seven years.

The once pristine park which was the hub for all sporting and family activities has been neglected over the years, becoming a spot for regular drinkers, vagrants and other unsavoury characters who have claimed it as their own. Cllr Prinsloo, who is serving her last few months in office, said it is very exciting to see one of her many visions come to fruition. “It’s been a long time coming and once the refurbishing starts, people will start putting value back into it and the community will stand together to protect it. Crime will drop and it will promote better living. This is a big dream for me,” said Cllr.

A lot of changes will be happening as plans to start are already underway

A lot of changes will be happening as plans to start are already underway. The DA candidate for ward councillor, Gavin Hegter said a lot will be done to add to the already popular and frequented outside gym. “Around the gym it will be paved and the area which used to be the old tennis court will be refurbished, turning it into a multi-purpose area for activities such as aerobics, yoga and more. The basketball court will be refurbished and a new tennis court will be added. The fencing around it will be repaired and a new car park will be included,” said Hegter. The soccer field which inhabits the lower part of the field will see a 1.2m fence outlining the edge of the field.”

Most exciting for the outgoing councillor, are plans to include a half-pipe skate ramp. “It’s absolutely exciting and I encourage the children, once everything is complete, to take full advantage of the facilities available to them.” he said.

Hegter said the project has been given a deadline and if all goes well, the refurbishment will be done by July 2016. “This is needed in the community, and as residents we all need to take ownership. I would like to see the police adopt this area and make sure it is kept safe. Lets make this into a positive area and lift ourselves out of this broken window syndrome that we have all seemed to have fallen into. It is up to us to take back what used to be the pride and joy of Montclair. Yes, it is a process but it will be worth it in the end,”said Hegter.

I would like to see the police adopt this area and make sure it is kept safe

He stresses the benefits for the youth who will given an opportunity to be part of a community in a safe and healthy environment. Liz Visser, a regular at the park and long-time Montclair resident said the upgrades are long overdue. “I feel the community will welcome the changes and although I do feel safe walking my dog here everyday, it will be great to see this park thrive again. It is a great upliftment project for everyone.”

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