The ongoing restoration of a neglected park in Brackenhurst continues to gather pace, with community members stepping in to maintain and improve the space amid limited municipal support.

Project leader and local resident Timmy van der Grijp has confirmed that recent progress has been made through a combination of donations and volunteer efforts, with a renewed focus now placed on clearing overgrown walkways and maintaining shared areas.

Van der Grijp said that he has seen a growth in terms of new members and acknowledged recent contributions that have supported the project’s continuation.

Work has recently been completed to clean sections of the play and picnic areas, made possible through financial support from residents, including Adelaide and an anonymous donor.

According to van der Grijp, attention has now shifted to the park’s walkways, which have narrowed due to weed overgrowth.

With commercial pet-friendly herbicides currently unaffordable, the group has opted for an alternative solution.

“We will attack the weeds on the walkways as soon as the rain subsides. We will apply brown vinegar, which is safe for animals. For this to be effective we need the help of sunshine,” he said.

The initiative forms part of a broader community-driven effort launched in 2025 after the park fell into disrepair following the City of Ekurhuleni’s last maintenance visit.

Since then, residents have contributed funds, time and resources to restore the space, improving safety and accessibility for park users.

Van der Grijp has maintained that while the responsibility for park maintenance lies with the municipality, community involvement remains critical in the interim.

“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.