Mitchell Park play area stuck in limbo despite revamp plans
Residents say patience is wearing thin as the children’s play area at Mitchell Park remains closed more than a year after its shutdown.
OVER a year since the temporary closure of the kids’ play area at Mitchell Park in Morningside, residents and frequent visitors remain in limbo as they await its reopening which they say is long overdue.
The play area was closed and cordoned off with caution tape prior the temporary closure of the zoo last April, which has since reopened. The century-old park, zoo and play area were closed following public outcry over the deteriorating condition of the facility.
Dangerous and rusting equipment from the play area was removed, for safety reasons. In March 2025, the City announced that On the Verge and the Woodford Group had come on board to assist with a major revamp of Mitchell Park.
Municipal spokesperson Gugu Sisilana at the time said that the new “play equipment sponsored by the Woodford Group would be installed in the children’s play area”.
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However, a year later the play area remains closed to the public while the zoo and the park are open. Concerned resident Nompumelelo Nkosi said, “We had hoped that the park would be open during the Easter school holidays, but no such luck.”
The mother of two said she used to frequent the park with her kids who loved the play area. “I wish the municipality would give us an idea of what is going on and when the play area would be reopened, so that the kids can enjoy it once again. A year is too long to let everything go to waste like this.”
When the City was questioned by the Berea Mail on when the play area will reopen, they did not confirm a date. Sisilana said the City has engaged with relevant stakeholders on the reinstatement of the children’s play area at Mitchell Park.
“These engagements have informed the way forward, further ensuring appropriate co-ordination and alignment. The City is in the process of implementing the necessary steps and remains committed to reinstating the children’s play area for public use,” added Sisilana.
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