Kagiso outdoor gym and sports court break ground amid residents' backlash
Construction has officially begun on a new sports and recreation hub, while the development has been welcomed by many, concerns over maintenance and vandalism have already sparked debate among residents.
An illegal dumping site in Father Gerald, Kagiso, is set to be transformed into a new outdoor gym and multi-purpose sports court after Mogale City officially launched the project during a sod-turning ceremony on July 8.
The development, funded by The Sports Trust in partnership with the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and implemented by Mogale City’s Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Division, aims to provide residents with a modern recreational space while revitalising a neglected area.
The project will include a multi-purpose sports court for netball, tennis, volleyball and basketball, an outdoor gym with an artificial-turf aerobics area, and a children’s playground equipped with swings, seesaws and other play equipment.
Municipal officials said the development is intended to encourage healthier lifestyles, increase participation in sport and recreation, and provide a safe public space for residents of all ages.
Speaking during the sod-turning ceremony, Executive Mayor Lucky Sele called on residents to take ownership of the facility once it is completed.
“I call on the community to protect this facility. Transforming an illegal dumping site into a vibrant public space will not only enhance the surrounding neighbourhood but could also contribute to increasing nearby property values,” he said.
Sele added that the project would also create economic opportunities by prioritising local labour and procurement during construction.
While many welcomed the project, others questioned whether the municipality would be able to maintain it, pointing to the condition of existing sports facilities.
Resident Dumezweni Enoch expressed concern about the future of the development.
“Sad reality is after a couple of months they will be at a scrapyard, sold.”
His comment echoed concerns raised by other residents, who called for stronger security measures and better maintenance to protect the facility from vandalism and theft.
Resident Mpho Pops Ruele also questioned the municipality’s priorities.
“Opening a new sports facility while failing to maintain old ones is crazy.”
Elmare Storbeck White shared a similar view.
“Why build a new one when you cannot even maintain the existing amazing facility already built? What a backward way of thinking.”
Construction is scheduled to begin on July 13 and is expected to be completed by the end of August. Once finished, the facility will offer free access to outdoor fitness equipment and sporting facilities aimed at promoting health, youth development and social cohesion.
