The metro opened the gates of Victoria Lake, to give the media a tour of the newly upgraded recreational facility, in Germiston, recently.
Popularly known by residents as Germiston Lake, because of its location, to promote the actual name of the facility, the metro has adopted the Victorian-style of architecture and deco.
The entire facility has literally undergone a royal face-lift.
This is evident from the entrance gate and the Victorian-inspired water fountain.
“The whole infrastructure has been upgraded – from the sewer lines down to the grass,” said Bheki Sibeko, from the Ekurhuleni Metro.
“We want to beautify the lake and restore it to its glory,” he added.
The Kingfisher restaurant on the premises is still under construction.
Sibeko said the metro has issued a request for proposals to renovate the food court area.
The lake itself is in the process of restoration, to ensure that water sports can take place there again.
“We will have park rangers and life guards to ensure the safety of the people once they are inside the facility,” said Sibeko.
He also said that security cameras will be installed in the near future.
Visitors to the park can enjoy the outdoor gym equipment situated all around the area and there is also an enclosed playground area for youngsters to enjoy fun and games.
The metro anticipates that construction will be completed before the end of this year.
Victoria Lake hosted networking sessions and gala dinners for delegates who attended the 2013 Airport Cities World Conference and Exhibition (ACE), at Emperors Palace from April 24 to 26.
The development and upgrading of the lake was actually an integrated approach by the Victoria Lake and 2013 ACE task team,” said Sam Modiba, Ekurhuleni Metro spokesperson.
“Ekurhuleni has invested over R12-million into renovating the entire park, including the landscaping, picnic areas, playgrounds and walkways, as well as the Victoria Lake itself.”
For more information visit www.ekurhuleni.gov.za.
