Community spirit breathes new life into Brackenhurst Park
What started as one man’s mission to save a neglected park has grown into a community-driven success initiative.
A local community park in Kalkoentjie Street, Brackenhurst, has undergone a remarkable turnaround after months of neglect, thanks to the initiative of concerned resident Timmy van der Grijp and sustained involvement from the local community.
Once described by residents as unsafe and overgrown, the park is now well maintained and actively used by families, dog walkers and fitness enthusiasts.
The revival follows a citizen-led clean-up campaign that gained traction earlier this year, eventually prompting a municipal response and renewed community commitment to upkeep.
From decline to action
The park, surrounded by townhouse complexes, had not received municipal maintenance since early January. Grass had become overgrown, walkways were obscured and the area had developed a reputation for being unsafe.
Local residents reported that the space, once a community asset, had become virtually unusable.
“It went from a vibrant public space to something closer to a dumping ground. I walk my dog here daily and it became clear that no one was coming to fix it,” Timmy said.
Rather than waiting for the City of Ekurhuleni to intervene, he launched a grassroots clean-up campaign on 1 May.
He commissioned a local gardening service for a quote of R2 500 to restore the park’s basic infrastructure and installed a public banner to raise awareness and collect funds.
Municipal support and resident involvement
According to Timmy, the campaign gained visibility after being covered in the Alberton Record.
Shortly afterwards, the City of Ekurhuleni deployed a team to cut the grass and prune trees throughout the park – its first formal maintenance action in several months.
With the major overgrowth addressed, Timmy and other community members took responsibility for maintaining the park’s condition.
Every Sunday, volunteers meet to carry out basic clean-up activities, including litter collection and bin emptying.
“The goal was to create a system that doesn’t rely entirely on the municipality. Now, the park is in a stable state and residents are keeping it that way,” Timmy said.
Renewed use and community value
The park features picnic tables, braai areas, paved walkways that double as cycle paths, a children’s play area and public exercise equipment. With improved conditions, the park has seen an uptick in use in recent weeks.
“People are returning. Dog walkers, families, cyclists are now visiting regularly and it’s clear the space is valued when it’s safe and usable,” Timmy added.
Security issues, once a regular concern, have reportedly decreased.
Looking ahead
Timmy and the community continue to call for broader involvement.
He maintains that while park maintenance is technically a municipal responsibility, proactive community engagement is essential.
“We’re not replacing government, but we’re working with what we have and setting a standard for how public spaces should be valued,” he said.
Residents who want to support the initiative can join the Restore Our Park WhatsApp group, donate via the QR code on the park banner, or contact van der Grijp directly on 060 601 3946.
