THE community of North Beach, around Nathaniel Isaacs Park, are breathing a sigh of relief, following the revamp and fencing of their beloved spot. The handover took place this week in the presence of Ward 26 councillor Sibusiso Lushaba, Parks and Recreation management, residents, law enforcement partners and North Beach CPF leadership.

The park is returning to its former glory, after it had been threatened by neglect, attracted the homeless and suspected to be a drug users’ den. These activities were gradually breeding criminal behaviour, putting the lives of nearby residents at risk.
Lushaba recalls that the request to secure and bring life back to the park was received some three years ago, and due to budgetary issues, the municipality had only been able to deliver recently.

“The old version of the park was not safe for children or families to enjoy. This worried me, as we saw the emergence of an unbecoming sight in the park, threatening the safety of surrounding residents. It’s a great pleasure to see the park in a more welcoming manner. We acknowledge that we still have to revamp and add more equipment, however, this is in the pipeline.
“It is a shared responsibility to fight criminal elements in and around the park. No more theft or damage of equipment or park structures, no more sleeping in the park. The park is secured with fencing, with one main entrance, and we hope this will minimise unwarranted entry. We do trust that neighbouring flat residents will report any unsightly behaviour.
“Also, playing soccer games is not permitted, as this damages the grass,” Lushaba said.

Also read: Community bands together to protect local park

He stressed that although it is municipality property, the park now belongs to the community which is tasked with keeping an eye on it.
He praised DG Security for its unwavering Samaritan endeavours to keep the North Beach area safe around the clock, with no charge to the municipality or the residents.

BPU North Beach CPF chairperson Mahomed Essa said, “As the chairperson of the CPF, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of safe public spaces. Parks like this are meant to be places of joy, not fear — places where children can play freely, families can gather, and the community can thrive.
“Nathaniel Isaacs Park now stands as a symbol of what’s possible when we all take responsibility for our shared environment. But the work doesn’t stop here. Safety is a shared responsibility. Let’s continue reporting concerns, looking out for one another, and keeping our spaces clean, active, and protected.”
He concluded, “Together, we are not just reopening a park — we are reclaiming our community. Let’s all walk this path together.”

For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here