Edenvale skatepark calls for tyre donations to help secure bird sanctuary
The 011 Skatepark at Edenvale Sports Grounds is urging residents to donate old tyres to help construct a barrier wall and curb unauthorised access into the Molly Vincent Bird Sanctuary, which has become a concern for local sports clubs and residents.
To secure the Molly Vincent Bird Sanctuary and limit access into the area, the Edenvale Sports Grounds 011 Skatepark has appealed to the community for any scrap and old tyres.
With these old tyres, the skatepark hopes to construct a tire wall to prevent access to the sanctuary.
Located between the sports grounds and Consalves Road, the bird sanctuary has not only become a thorn in the side of the many community members living near it, but also the various sports clubs located at the sports grounds.
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Left unchecked, the bird sanctuary has become an overgrown haven for homeless community members and recyclers who bring their trolleys, laden with recyclable materials, that they sort in the sanctuary.
Although there have been several attempts by the municipality and community volunteer groups to remove the dense vegetation, the size of the property requires constant attention.
Founder and owner of 011 Skatepark, Dean Backos, explained that the project is an Edenvale Sports Grounds Committee project being spearheaded by the skatepark.
He said a tire wall is being constructed in an already open area of the concrete palisade fence along Homestead Road near the skatepark.
“For now, this is a pilot project, but the idea is to reduce the number of access points to the bird sanctuary and prevent trolleys with recyclable materials and other large items from being taken into it,” said Backos.
He said the plan is to build two, 2m-high walls out of the tyres, which will be filled with rubble and encased in concrete.
“We want the wall to be as impenetrable as possible to help create a safe environment for the skatepark and the sports grounds.”
With the assistance of Better Edenvale, the area will be further secured.
Backos explained that the NPO helped the skatepark acquire a donation of 15m of palisade fencing from Edenvale Steel and Tube.
The fencing will be erected behind the tyre wall as an additional line of defence.
“I would say if there was ever a time for community members to get involved and to make a difference, now would be the time. All we need are old tyres.”
Backos estimates that between 600 and 700 tyres are needed to complete the pilot project.
Donations of tyres can be dropped off at the skatepark between 10:00 and 18:00. Alternatively, contact Dean on 079 889 1658.
