Rabie Ridge’s Darta Park receives much-needed upgrades

Following the outcry of the community members of Rabie Ridge about the poor state of their park, this community will have something to smile about after their concerns did not fall on deaf ears.

Johannesburg City Parks is currently upgrading the only park in the area to accommodate all the residents. The upgrade comes after the residents alerted their councillor to the poor state of Darta Park in Ext 2 of the old Rabie Ridge.

Ward 110 councillor Lamola Lesibana said, “This park looked like it was neglected. The community was always telling me about this park and asking, ‘councillor, do you think it is a park or an open space?

“I didn’t see it as a park and that’s why I told the City of Johannesburg that we really need to renovate it.”

Lamola was not entirely impressed with the budget he got from City Parks.

“We only have four benches here. We are looking for at least eight benches. This is not enough. Remember, this is the park of Rabie Ridge and it is big. People from Ext 1 come here and people from the new Rabie Ridge come here too. So what is implemented here is not enough. We need more money to make sure we have more resources.”

The new development at the park includes the planting of 20 trees, installation of four benches, five gym machines, three litter bins, signage, as well the fence to surround the park.

He added that the residents welcome the upgrades, even though it will not cover all their needs.

“Now we are fighting to get another R2.5 million so that we can have what we wanted.”

Related article:

https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/214959/rabie-ridge-police-captain-retires-after-33-years-of-service-2/