The restoration of the Boksburg Lake park is at its final stages.
The R15-million, three-stage project started in 2016 and is scheduled to be completed by May.
The first two phases of restoration comprised major earthworks to close a pedestrian walkway that has developed, and to enlarge the park’s utility surface. It also included upgrading of the security infrastructure with perimeter fencing and controlled access points.
The development of a network of brick-paved walkways to control pedestrian traffic as well as the building of a 500-seater multipurpose amphitheatre had been completed.
The final phase entails the completion of recreational nodes within the park and includes a climbing wall, play park, gym trim, kick-about soccer and basketball fields as well as a dedicated braai area and the final greening of the enlarged nine-hectare zone.
The main aim of the upgrades is to create a vibrant community recreational space that would spearhead real urban renewal in an area that faced degradation.
The Boksburg Lake park dates back to 1889 when it was the social heart of the then prosperous mining town. Before the facelift, it was dilapidated, vandalised and disused, and frequented predominantly by homeless people or used as a car park.
The aesthetic elements of the upgrades include the use of the red clay-bricks and sandstone in walkways paving and walls which are a distinctive feature of Boksburg’s beautiful heritage buildings. These paving materials also have a robust ability to withstand high usage.
The final touches will include reed beds, that will be introduced to filter and clean the lake’s water as part of a large-scale water purification exercise to restore its aquatic health.
The installation of solar lights throughout the lake will ensure improved visibility at a low cost. Water-friendly and indigenous highveld planting such as Acacia and Wild Olive trees has been planted throughout the lake.
