Brackenhurst residents have once again demonstrated the power of community spirit, as further strides are made to restore a once-neglected local park under the leadership of resident and public servant Timmy van der Grijp.

In a New Year update shared with community members, Timmy confirmed that much-needed maintenance has recently been completed around the children’s play area, thanks to generous donations from Tim, Craig, Nigel and Vuyiswa.

The section, which had become heavily overgrown, required a full day’s labour at a cost of R680.

The work was carried out by local handyman Johan.

Timmy said that continued upkeep will ensure that future efforts will cover a greater area.

He also confirmed that the community project board has been reinstalled at the park entrance to keep residents informed.

To ensure transparency, Timmy said all contributions will be collected via his account and published on the community group.

Donations can be made to:

Account name: VDG Consulting

Bank: FNB

Account number: 629 412 695 83

Branch code: 250655

Reference: Your name

Looking back to 2025

The latest progress builds on an initiative Timmy launched earlier last year after noticing the park’s rapid decline following the City of Ekurhuleni’s last maintenance visit on January 11, 2025.

Once a place of solace for dog walkers and families, the park had become 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.

He secured a R2 500 quote for clearing and maintenance from a local gardening business and printed a R400 banner with campaign details, which he placed at the park entrance.

The clean-up drive quickly gained traction, raising R400 in its first week, R650 in the second, and R1 450 by week three, nearly 60% of the target.

Since then, pathways have re-emerged, and dog owners report a noticeably safer environment.

Timmy also personally collects rubbish every Sunday and stores it until municipal collection day to keep the park clean during the week.

Acknowledging that park maintenance is a municipal responsibility, Timmy said that residents 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 is now calling on more Brackenhurst residents to get involved, whether through small donations, volunteering time or launching similar initiatives elsewhere.

“What began as one resident’s decision to act is now a growing movement. If everyone gave just a little time or money, we could transform our whole neighbourhood,” he said.

Under his leadership, a neglected park is steadily being revitalised and, in the process, inspiring a broader culture of active citizenship in the community.