A jewel in the metro’s crown
Germiston Lake has undergone a multi-million Rand upgrade and is due to open soon.
It has been a long time coming, but the Germiston Lake Park will soon be open to the public.
The metro has yet to confirm the date, but the work is due to be completed by the end of August and the opening is imminent.
The GCN had the opportunity to visit the lake on Wednesday, to have a look at what the metro has done.
It has taken 10 months and a financial injection of R26-million to get the area looking spectacular.
Visitors to the park can expect to see a fully upgraded entrance, with a stunning Victorian fountain, refurbished gazebos with braai areas, a brand new junior playground area that also provides for children with disabilities, a playground for older children, improved pathways with adult outdoor gym equipment, upgraded ablution facilities, a refurbished skateboard bowl and landscaped gardens.
No vehicles will be allowed into the park, but two designated parking areas have been established.
The entrances to the parking areas are located in Rand Airport Road, at the Germiston High School entrance, and in Lake Road.
The Germiston Lapa, on the northern shore (entrance via Power Road), is still undergoing renovation and the upgrades include a new playground for the children and air-conditioning for the lapa.
It is anticipated that the lapa renovations and construction will not be completed by the end of August, so this facility will remain closed until further notice.
The old “19th Hole Hall” at the lake has been redeveloped and the “Victorian Hall” has been created.
The metro is currently busy putting finishing touches to the new facility.
The hall has been redeveloped, and new windows, lavatories and air-conditioning have been installed.
A lovely outdoor braai area with fireplaces has also been added, with stunning landscaped gardens.
The Victorian Hall area will be exclusively available for hiring as from September 2013 and bookings can be made with Mookgo Hlalele, on 011 999-1272.
In future, further phases of the master plan will be implemented, that will include additional ablutions.
The extensive refreshment of the facility was earmarked by executive mayor Clr Mondli Gungubele early last year, under the rehabilitation of dams and wetlands flagship project.
In April, the venue was introduced to international visitors during the World Airport Cities Conference and Exhibition, and it will, in November, host the African Championship of the 5i50 Triathlon Series.
Ward 36’s Clr Chris Swanepoel told the GCN that he is very excited about the project.
“I am very happy about the revamp and think the residents in the surrounding areas should be as well, as it is not often that the council has money to spend on upgrades of this scale,” he said.
“The lake is for the use of all residents, and park wardens, as well as the EMPD, will be keeping an eye on the area.
“The facility will also be used for sporting activities, which will help to put Germiston on the map again, as a prime city for sports facilities.
“I urge all residents to visit the Germiston Lake Park when it opens and see the wonderful revamp for themselves.”
