A perfect place to capture and document the heritage value of a community – that is what the MMC for Community Development, Nonhlanhla Sifumba said parks like Kingston Frost Park, can be.
On 21 October, 91 years after the park was first dubbed Brixton Park, Kingston Frost Park has been renamed after a local councillor. A new free-to-use outdoor gym, refurbished playground equipment, fencing, paved walkways, an irrigation system and landscaped lawns were revealed at the unveiling of the refurbished park.
“I am reminded why parks are so important for our well-being. Parks are an environment’s lung, they provide pockets of clean air, they act as a storm water catchment and a habitat for bird life and small animals,” Sifumba said.
She, together with Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo’s managing director, Bulumko Nelana, and Ward 87 councillor Bridget Steer cut the official ribbon that opened the revamped park to the community which, according to Steer, is already very active.
“I want to thank City Parks for the investment into the community, it brought a lot of life back into the area,” she said.
The renovation of the 3.4-hectare park cost the City R3 million and boasts some of the best views of Johannesburg’s northern suburbs.
Sifumba added,”The park will provide health benefits by keeping the community active. Children are often glued to their TV sets or cellphones, and they no longer go to parks, resulting in obesity that, in turn, puts added pressure on medical resources. Children need to be mentally and physically fit and lead a healthy lifestyle and parks provide this,” Sifumba said.
Steer said the park is the heart of the surrounding community. “Here, I have met so many residents, students and active stakeholders of the park. I have to commend the Auckland Park Residents Association and the Brixton Community Forum. They arrange regular park clean-ups. It is not necessarily their responsibility but they take ownership of the park,” she said.
Although a security guard is now stationed at the park, City Parks spokesperson, Jenny Moodley said vagrants still pose a problem. Johannesburg Water’s proposed reservoir in the park is another possible challenge City Parks could face.
Despite this, the park is frequented by the community, especially in the evening when the equipment, courts and open space are put to good use.
