Mindless destruction of park
Equipment, worth millions, is gone and the murals created to decorate the parks have been defaced and spray-painted.
The Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JPCZ) expressed its sadness over the vandalism that took place in Bellevue Park in Yeoville only three weeks after the revamped park was unveiled.
Also read: Playtime for Bellevue children at the new park
“This was a deliberate act of vandalism of the two new parks launched on April 4. Equipment, worth millions, is gone and the murals created to decorate the parks were defaced and spray-painted.
“The incident was reported to the SAPS; however, the culprits have not been arrested,” said Noeleen Mattera, a JPCZ stakeholder and PR media relations officer.
Also read: Bellevue kids share their thoughts on the new park
The fence around the indoor soccer field has been removed and the fence barricading the park has also been cut in some parts.
The rubber on the floor in the outdoor gym area has been taken off.
The upgrades and development of the park cost R4-million.
“The estimated cost of damages is approximately R80 000. An insurance claim will be registered; however, we need the community to rally together to protect these parks,” said Mattera.
The issue of security was raised by Ward 66 Clr Carlos Da Rocha who expressed his concern during the unveiling.
The EXPRESS asked JCPZ what precautions will be put in place after this incident.
“There are no plans to have a dedicated security team in place. However, the park rangers and JMPD will increase patrols in the area. As JCPZ we have also conducted a door-to-door environmental campaign to educate residents about the importance of parks.
“We want the communities to become active in protecting their park and to report service shortfalls and suspicious activity in the park,” said Mattera.
The Ward 66 committee member for infrastructure and services, Joseph Dube, said he is disappointed by what has happened in the park.
“There is a need for a park in the Bellevue area. This incident is of great concern.
“The community should be working together to protect this park because it’s an asset,” said Dube.
During the unveiling of the park on April 4, the MMC for community development, Clr Nonhlanhla Sifumba, urged the community to protect the park.
“We know what this park used to look like. It was not friendly. I urge the members of the community to ensure that their use of the park does not endanger the lives of the children and others, but that it brings a sense of belonging and brings the community together. It should be everyone’s responsibility to look after it and keep it beautiful,” said Sifumba at the April unveiling.
JPCZ appealed to put a ‘Friends of the Park’ committee in place to protect the park.
“Bellevue Park is a space to play and socialise. This park is critical especially in Bellevue and Yeoville where there are communities living mostly in densely populated high-rise buildings,” said Mattara.
Residents are urged to report all complaints to the JMPD on 011 375 5911 or call Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo on 011 375 5555 to report broken, stolen or damaged parks.
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