On 22 November, a meeting was held between Joburg City Parks and Zoo and the Parkmore Community Association (PCA) with regards to the progress of George Lea Park.
Kate Wardle, the deputy chairperson of the association said, “The George Lea cleanup has been worked on for years by many different people and departments in the City. It is one of the good news stories for 2016 that the area is now secure and over 200 tonnes of litter and rubble removed. The Sandton Sports Club and PCA met with representatives of City Parks and Zoo and the Johannesburg Property Company [JPC] to discuss [the] next steps.”
All participants are fully supportive of the efforts from the community and club to improve the area and undertook to support the development of this park going forward. According to Wardle, a ‘green lung’ is so vitally important in Sandton and all community members will benefit from the revamped, clean and safe park.
Wardle explained that during the meeting, the property company suggested that the first step is to develop a clear vision for the park. The ideas include a children’s play area, revitalising the stream and wetlands to attract bird life and installing outdoor gym equipment. A bridge or two is also needed to get across the stream and connect the two areas of land between the Sandton Sports Club and the bottom area of the park.
“As a community we have adopted this park. We now need to reach out to businesses and residents who are keen to get involved in this initiative – we would appreciate landscaping advice and input from any professionals out there who can offer us assistance pro bono,” she added.
Gia Sinclair, board member of the Sandton Sports Club highlighted, “When we know what our options are, we can call a public meeting to present ideas, hopefully in the first quarter of next year. This area has so much potential and we believe we can help extend our sports and recreation offering by creating an outdoor healthy open space for both our members and the community.”
Read also: Construction worker drowns in bathtub
Wardle concluded that if anyone can assist in the landscaping or design of George Lea Park or has contacts who have developed eco-friendly play and exercise areas, to please contact Sinclair.
Details: Gia, sinclair3@mweb.co.za
Add us on Whatsapp for the latest news by adding 079 4395 345 to your contact list and just send your name to us so we can save your number. Click here to find out more about our Whatsapp policy.
