Beacon Park still closed to the public due to Covid-19 concerns by city

SEAVIEW children and residents are still unable to access the revamped Beacon Park on the corners of Sarnia and Hillside Roads.

The park, which forms part of the Durban Metropolitan Open Space System (DMoss), recently fell into ruins. 

However more than three months ago on 1 September, the eThekwini Municipality’s head of parks unveiled the revamped park which had been spruced up.

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Upgrades comprised fencing around the park, a new gate, paving, one information map, five concrete braai stands, five six-seater picnic benches and tables, five recycle rubber bins, signage boards, two three-seater swings, a merry-go-round and a slide.

In addition 18 outdoor fitness gym apparatuses were installed including a space walker, double rowing machine and a mountain walker in the hope that it would encourage healthy living and the pursuit of fitness.

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City response

However, more than four months later, the park is still closed to the public locked up tightly with the grass and other vegetation slowly taking over again.

eThekwini city spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela said the opening of the park was delayed due to the city currently working towards full compliance with Covid-19 regulations.

“The city will update residents in due course,” said the spokesperson.

“The park will reopen once all Covid-19 risk assessments have been completed. As much as the city would like all its facilities to be open and be enjoyed by our residents and visitors as soon as possible, we also need to be mindful of their health and safety too,” said Mayisela echoing the same sentiments he used in response to a query about the reopening of Bellair public swimming pool.

Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting