Resident calls on CoE to help with tending to a park

Community member and curator of Willow Park, Ray Hogg, has called on the municipality for greater assistance in tending to the park.

For the past three years, Ray with the assistance of the community has tended to the park which they have now dubbed Willow Wilderness Park.

Starting in 2020 during the lockdown, Ray and his wife Lesley started working in the park.

“We got frustrated as our property looked over the park. It was just a mess the whole time so we decided to do something about it.

ALSO READ: City warns that illegal use of land can cost you

“We had our first work day and other community members joined us but I think many people thought this would be a flash-in-the-pan project,” said Ray.

However, it wasn’t and the husband-and-wife duo continued maintaining the park.

Ray said a short while after the work day he met Callie van Rensburg, another Dowerglen resident who had taken up maintaining another portion of the park.

Ray said after he spoke to Callie, he suggested that the pair consolidate their resources and they start working together.

Since the community started cleaning up the park, 57 truckloads of debris, vegetation and rubbish have been removed.

Ray said old paths have been unearthed, two bridges built, one repaired, a new jungle gym installed, and paths maintained.

Additionally, funds were raised by the community to purchase a ride-on lawn mower. Funds donated from the community cover its fuel cost while Ray covers any shortfalls.

ALSO READ: City addresses vandalism at Horwoods’ Farm

Last year for Arbor Month, 30 trees were donated and planted in the park.

Ray said soon after there was a dry spell which led to community members adopting trees temporarily and watering them until the drought was over.

Despite the work done by the community and Ray, he said more assistance is needed.

Ray said he recently visited the Edenvale Parks Department depot where he requested assistance and equipment to assist with the park.

“I asked for some workers with some spades, and a wheelbarrow to lend a hand to the park and was told that the depot does not have the equipment,” said Ray.

He said the lack of assistance is frustrating.

ALSO READ: City warns residents of expired food

“A park like this is not only for the immediate community but for the greater Edenvale community,” said Ray.

“Families come for picnics. It’s fantastic to see everyone enjoy themselves.”

A request for comment was sent to the City of Ekurhuleni on November 8. At the time of going to print no comment was received