Residents set to reclaim Sutton Park

RESIDENTS and businesses around Sutton Park, and those who use Sutton Park, were invited to a meeting in the park on Thursday.

The topics under discussion were the state of the park, the security concerns and possible solutions going forward securing the park for use by all residents by creating a safe and engaging environment in and around the park.

“It was a very successful meeting with more than 30 residents and business owners present. Alliance Francaise also came with some interesting proposals. The Parks Department was also present and took note of the residents' concerns,” said ward councillor, Martin Meyer.

As a way forward, the residents appointed a Working Committee which will represent all the buildings around the park.

“The idea is for the community to reclaim the park by finding innovative ways to encourage positive use of the park. This will include monthly picnics by residents and other projects to enable families to use the park again for its intended use,” said Meyer.

At a recent meeting with the city's Parks Department, Meyer asked officials to decrease the bureaucracy in the system to allow residents to be more involved in adopting parks and improving public open spaces.

“Innovations include allotments on unused city land, allowing residents to erect plastic bag dispensers to encourage dog walkers to clean up after their pooches, and a wonderful tree planing initiative by one of our residents,” he said.

To get involved, contact Councillor Meyer at: ward27@ethekwini.org