WATCH: Fire causes tennis club’s death knell

A fire, which broke out on the night of September 7, completely gutted the neglected Parkdene Tennis Court’s clubhouse.

A resident Derek Fox, who was the first to inform Boksburg Advertiser about the fire, said firefighters were alerted to the blaze at the facility, located opposite Parkdene Primary School.
The building was apparently well alight by the time crews arrived. They eventually contained the blaze.

The Advertiser visited the site on September 9 and discovered the inferno had destroyed furniture and caused the roof to collapse. Windows were broken, and the walls were blackened with soot.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined; residents and users of the facility suspect a fire left unattended by vagrants who live on the council property caused the fire.
Devastated
The fire comes shortly after questions were raised about the deteriorating state of the once-beautiful six-court club.

Basketball coach Mmeli Magubane, who recently made a desperate plea for protection of the vulnerable facility against vandals, said the fire left him and about 60 players who use the grounds in a critical position.
“We are shocked and upset as the fire has set back our efforts to promote the sport and ruined our prospects of securing support to rehabilitate the facility.
“Parents will no doubt now be even more concerned about the safety of their children who do sport here when they see these ruined buildings,” said Magubane.

Apart from the battle against vandalism and theft, we have been struggling to get the CoE to secure the facility properly.
“The documents we have only permitted us to use the facility.
“We have applied to lease the club but haven’t been successful. This is a hindrance, as when we approach individuals or organisations for help, they request to see the lease agreement, which we have not yet managed to secure,” explained Magubane.

Also Read: VIDEO: City leaves Parkdene tennis courts to rot

Gallery: