WATCH: Brackenhurst resident leads park revival after city neglects upkeep
After months of neglect, a Brackenhurst public servant has stepped up to revive a local park, rallying the community behind a grassroots clean-up campaign that’s bringing life and pride back to the neighbourhood.
In a powerful act of civic pride, Brackenhurst resident and public servant Timmy van der Grijp has taken the lead in reviving a once-neglected local park.
His initiative is already transforming the space and being hailed as a shining example of active citizenship in the face of ongoing municipal neglect.
Timmy, who lives near the park on 13/15 Kalkoentjie Street, noticed its rapid decline after the CoE’s last maintenance on January 11. Over time, the park became overgrown and unsafe.
“The park used to be a place of solace. I’d visit it up to three times a day with my dog, but the grass grew wild, and the paths vanished. I saw dogs getting hurt. That’s when I knew I had to act,” Timmy said.
Believing that public service extends beyond office hours, Timmy contacted a local gardening business and secured a quote of R2 500 for clearing and maintenance. To raise awareness, he designed and printed a R400 banner detailing the campaign’s goals and donation info, which he placed at the park entrance.
Community engagement and fundraising
The clean-up campaign quickly gained momentum:
• Week 1 (May 1): R400 raised for initial clearing;
• Week 2 (May 10): R650 raised for deeper maintenance;
• Week 3 (May 24): Total raised: R1 450, nearly 60% of the final target.
Thanks to these efforts, the park is visibly cleaner. Pathways have re-emerged, and dog owners report a much safer environment.
@albertonrecordIn a powerful act of civic pride, Brackenhurst resident and public servant Timmy van der Grijp has taken the lead in reviving a once-neglected local park. His initiative is already transforming the space and being hailed as a shining example of active citizenship in the face of ongoing municipal neglect. Timmy, who lives near the park on 13/15 Kalkoentjie Street, noticed its rapid decline after the CoE’s last maintenance on January 11. Over time, the park became overgrown and unsafe. Read full story on albertonrecord.co.za
But Timmy hasn’t stopped there. Every Sunday, he collects rubbish and stores it at home until Monday’s municipal waste collection, preventing further deterioration and helping the park stay clean throughout the week.
A broader call to action
Timmy acknowledges that park maintenance is a municipal duty but says the community can’t afford to wait.
“We’re doing this for our children and our dogs. Parks are where we breathe and unwind. If the city can’t get to it, we must. This isn’t about anger; it’s about action,” he said.
He’s now calling on others in Brackenhurst and surrounding areas to get involved or launch their own initiatives.
“If everyone gave just a little time or money, we could transform our whole neighbourhood,” he said.
How you can contribute
Community members can support the campaign by:
• scanning the QR code on the park banner;
• joining the WhatsApp campaign group for updates and donation info: “Restore Our Park” Community Project.
• contacting Timmy on 060 601 3946.
What began as one resident’s decision to act is now a growing movement, a powerful reminder that everyday people can drive meaningful change in their communities.
Under Timmy’s leadership, a neglected park is being revitalised and potentially sparking a broader revitalisation.
