Whynott Park in Durban North has always been a cause for concern for the local community. Vagrancy and general deterioration have left the park in a state of disrepair.

However, locals who frequently travel down uMhlanga Rocks Drive may have noticed some of the commotion currently underway in the small park.

Hirsch’s has embarked on a project called the I Love DN (Durban North) Theatre Market with the sole purpose of uplifting Whynott Park. Through a series of fun events hosted at the park, they have managed to raise enough funds for the revamp

“I grew up in Durban North and the park has been a community eyesore for as long as I can remember. Recently we decided to make the effort to upgrade the park,” said managing director, Richard Hirsch. The company has teamed up with the city’s Parks Department to ensure that all renovations are made according to by-laws and regulations.

Recently bollards have been erected around the park to prevent vehicles from cutting corners through the site and brand-new jungle gyms have also been installed at the site. The jungle gyms are made from recycled plastic to encourage Durban North communities to adopt an environmentally-friendly lifestyle.

“Because of its state the park has never been well-used, but through this initiative we hope to see more people enjoying the facility that is literally on our doorstep,” he said.

The next step in the beautification project, he said, will involve some landscaping with indigenous plants.

The Durban North resident said they plan on hosting more theatre markets as well as various Art in the Park events in the future.

Durban North ward councillor, Shaun Ryley, said he welcomed the project and hoped it sparked similar projects in other communities.