Brackenhurst resident and public servant Timmy van der Grijp reopened the community’s park-maintenance fundraiser as summer approaches and rapid grass growth begins again.

His renewed call for support comes after months of hands-on work that has already transformed the once-neglected green space on Kalkoentjie Street into a cleaner, safer and more welcoming environment.

Timmy has placed the project board back at the park entrance, marking the start of this season’s fundraising round.

With the community no longer partnering with Etosha for summer maintenance, he has sourced local workers equipped with petrol lawnmowers to assist with monthly upkeep.

The quoted costs include R500 per month for grass-cutting services and R300 for herbicide, which will be sprayed along the walkways and should last for the entire summer season.

To streamline contributions, Timmy will again use his personal account and publish all contributions transparently in the community group.

Contribution details:

Account name: VDG Consulting

FNB current account: 629 4126 9583

Branch: 250 655

Reference: Your name

To kickstart the campaign, Timmy has contributed R100.

He thanked the residents of Brackenberg Villas, particularly those who continued to maintain the park strip behind their units.

A resident, who recently cut back a large area of grass stretching all the way into the picnic section using only the length of his electric cord, was also recognised.

“Your efforts are greatly appreciated,” Timmy said.

A growing legacy of community action

This summer drive builds on a broader initiative that began earlier in the year when Timmy observed the park’s deteriorating state following the CoE’s last maintenance on January 11.

Overgrown pathways, unsafe terrain and rising risks for dog walkers prompted him to take action.

“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,” he said.

He secured a R2,500 quote from a local gardening business for clearing and maintenance, designed a R400 campaign banner, and placed it at the park entrance to raise awareness.

The community responded quickly:

Week 1 (May 1): R400 raised for initial clearing;

Week 2 (May 10): R650 raised for further maintenance;

Week 3 (May 24): R1 450 total, nearly 60% of the target.

Thanks to these efforts, pathways re-emerged, dog owners reported safer walking conditions, and the park became visibly cleaner.

Beyond fundraising, Timmy also does weekly clean-ups, collecting and storing rubbish at home until municipal collection each Monday.

A call for collective responsibility

While Timmy recognises that park maintenance remains a municipal responsibility, he believes communities cannot 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 encourages residents in Brackenhurst and surrounding suburbs to contribute time, funds, or start similar initiatives.

“If everyone gave just a little time or money, we could transform our whole neighbourhood,” he added.

How to get involved?

Residents can support the project by:

• Contributing to the VDG Consulting account listed above;

• Scanning the QR code on the park banner;

• Joining the Restore Our Park WhatsApp group for updates.

Contact Timmy on 060 601 3946.

What began as one resident’s determination to restore a neglected park has grown into a powerful movement of community pride.

Under Timmy’s leadership, the green space continues to improve, showing that even in the face of municipal shortcomings, committed citizens can achieve remarkable change.