Frustration is mounting among residents living near Boncharis Park in Beaconsfield Road in Primrose.
Residents living close to the park expressed concern that this recreational space has fallen into a state of neglect.
The park is located opposite Primrose Primary School and Primrose library.
Sonto Mahlangu said she doesn’t enjoy the park anymore.
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“Overgrown grass, litter and vandalism have turned what was meant to be a safe and welcoming area into an eyesore and potential safety hazard. We can’t take our children to enjoy the outdoors anymore.”
The park’s fencing has been stolen in several sections, leaving it open to vandalism and illegal dumping. What used to be a clean, green space where children played after school and families gathered on weekends has now become overrun with weeds and stray animals.
According to residents, the grass is never cut, and people dump rubbish due to the lack of supervision or maintenance, raising concerns that the park’s condition poses a danger to schoolchildren who pass through daily.
Residents said it’s disheartening for the children to see their surroundings so neglected.
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Repeated complaints to the municipality have gone unanswered. The community is calling for urgent action to restore the park to its former glory.
Germiston City News spoke to ward councillor Wendy Morgan, who said the city is failing to maintain parks and that it has faced several challenges.
“The fence around Boncharis Park keeps getting stolen. EMPD has been requested to monitor vehicles parking inside the park and drinking over the weekends,” said Morgan.
Morgan said she will be following up on the grassing cutting.
“We want our park back. We don’t need fancy upgrades, just basic maintenance. A clean and safe park would make a big difference for our children and our neighbourhood,” said Mahlangu.
