A LITTLE over a year ago, the Mount Vernon Delta’s, a local neighbourhood watch (NHW) group, took over Central Park in Hillary and transformed the green space in the hopes of creating a safe space for the community to enjoy.

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Once the site of illegal dumping and overgrown bushes, Victoria Park, as it used to be known, was also a hotspot for criminal activity.

Now, the space has been cleaned up, and the watch, along with volunteers, has helped grade and create a tiered system within the park. They are also in the process of completing a retaining wall around a section of the park.

Public relations officer of the Delta’s, Rabin Singh, said they are 500 blocks away from the completion of the retaining wall.

“Before our involvement, this park was unkempt and overgrown, and criminals were using it when targeting homes in Mount Vernon in Hillary. As the Delta’s, we decided to clean the space up and make something of it. A little over a year ago, we opened the Guardians of Mount Vernon, a non-profit company (NPC), and the project really took shape. A key part of that project is building the retaining wall in the hopes of making a car park and small entertainment area.

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“Currently, we are 500 blocks away from completion of the retaining wall. We appeal to the community to help us by sponsoring a block. Get in touch with us on how you can go about it. Our vision is to get the park back to where it was with a few additions, including a braai area and possibly an outdoor gym. We have also engaged with the ward councillor and the eThekwini Municipality, which has proved fruitful,” he said.

Singh added that in the past, to raise funds for the project, they also hosted fundraisers, including a fun walk and breyani sales.

“Ultimately, we want to bring the community back here. We want to let them know that this park is for their families to have a picnic or a braai. We also don’t have too many green spaces left in Hillary, so preserving this space is of the utmost importance. The latest part of our project is installing a retaining wall and finalising the parking area for residents to use. We are also grateful to have the support of local residents and our partners and stakeholders. We envision this park being a central point that is a safe, recreational space,” added Singh.

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