Birchleigh North residents call on City to restore neglected park

The Birchleigh North community calls on the CoE to maintain the Birchleigh North Park, which they say has been neglected, as evidenced by overgrown grass and broken swings.

Community members said the park was once a vibrant space where they could spend quality time with loved ones while children played safely, but it has since fallen into disrepair.

“We want our park to return to the safe, family-friendly space it used to be, where we can relax and experience nature,” said resident Danie van Greunen.

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The Kempton Express contacted Ward 91 Clr Desmond McKenzie for comment. He stated a service delivery meeting was held with all departments on June 20, during which he asked the senior engineer to provide regular progress reports.

“Repairs have started on Mooifontein Road, and residents are encouraged to report broken streetlights via the Ekurhuleni app or other platforms, using reference numbers for prompt escalation. R5.5m has been allocated for streetlight repairs across the city in the 2025/2026 budget,” McKenzie said.

He added that grass-cutting had begun in Norkem Park and Birchleigh North, including the park on Shirley Street.

“With the new financial year starting July 1, I have requested upgrades for all four parks in Birchleigh North because they need attention and new equipment in some cases. Residents will be kept informed of any progress,” McKenzie said.

The Kempton Express also contacted the CoE regarding the park’s maintenance schedule, the last thorough cleanup and potential infrastructure upgrades.

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City spokesperson Zweli Dlamini explained that the city followed a grass-cutting policy that guides the development and maintenance of parks and related facilities, with the standard being monthly grass cutting.

He said implementing the planned maintenance programme for 2024/2025 faced challenges, including high rainfall during the grass-cutting season, which disrupted maintenance schedules.

“These disruptions resulted in non-adherence to service standards. Birchleigh North parks on Rona, Emberen, Gabriel and Strydom streets, Pongola River Drive, Julia and Malvinstreets, Shirley Park, Lydia Street and Coen Scholtz were last maintained in June and July, and are scheduled for more maintenance in September,” Dlamini said.

He confirmed there was no budget allocation for park upgrades in the current financial year. He encouraged residents to participate in the Integrated Development Plan process at ward level to highlight priorities in their communities.

Dlamini added that the city had launched the Step-Up Campaign (Adopt a Park), which lets communities assist with park maintenance and upgrades. Residents interested in participating should contact the department for more information.

“Funding remains a scarce resource, and due to competing needs, the city faces financial constraints that sometimes make it difficult to meet community expectations,” Dlamini said.

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He explained that challenges in maintaining parks include shortages of personnel, budget constraints and equipment breakdowns.
He explained that maintenance challenges include staff shortages, limited budgets and equipment breakdowns.

The city is addressing these through external resources, speeding up critical hires and improving collaboration across departments.

Dlamini emphasised that the city engages communities on park-related matters through service delivery and IDP meetings, mayoral imbizos and consultation with ward councillors or the nearest parks depot.