Lambton residents Alicia and Raymond Bull together with their business partner Joe Toweel are taking back their community to make a difference.

The trio adopted Hout Park in Lambton after they saw a need for a place where the community can enjoy the outdoors.

Alicia said before they took over the park, it was full of bad elements that made the community afraid to enjoy the space.

“We felt we have to take a stand and make the difference. I believe there is power in numbers, but to get the community together we had to create a safe environment for the community. The park was ideal,” said Alicia.

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They started the project in 2019.

“Since 2021, we took the project to new levels and purchased equipment to maintain the upkeep and employed workers to clean and maintain seven days a week,” said Alicia.
Since the project started, Hout Park is being fully utilised and enjoyed by the community.

“We have a soccer team playing and practising at the park. There are yoga groups, athletic training every Friday afternoon and even volleyball led by one of the residents. During weekends, people enjoy picnics. It has become a community hub as they feel safe in the space,” said Alicia.

To keep the space family-friendly, they have set up a strict rule when it comes to parking, and no drinking nor parties are allowed.

She said they are proud to see how far they have come with the park, even though it was not easy.

“In the beginning, there was a lot of drug activity in the park. Such activity has been curtailed because of the growing presence of the community.
“Security companies are also involved. SOG and Graphite have played a big role in assisting with busts and have been able to remove the drug dealers,” said Alicia.

She said they support the project at their own cost.
“We have also experienced challenges in getting approvals from the council to safeguard the streets around the park where children play and people jog and ride bicycles,” said Alicia.

She said for them, the reward is seeing the community enjoying the space and feeling safe.
“Assistance is welcome as the project has sustained itself.”

She said Ekurleni is an amazing place with an airport, along with beautiful lakes and homes, but parks and residential areas need to be maintained.
“We are planning similar clean-up projects in surrounding areas. We are inviting residents to join us.”