Tighy Park is owned by the City

With a mini skate park on one end, a children’s play section on the other, a paved walkway connecting the two, and park grass on both sides of the walkway, Tighy Park looks like the perfect spot to enjoy a day in the sun.

The park was recently upgraded but has unfortunately come under fire as residents claimed that the park does not have an official owner thus contributing to the lack of security and service there. Jenny Moodley, spokesperson of Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, stated that the park is under their ownership. She said the park is under City Parks and is maintained and managed by them.

The design for the park was given the green light by City Parks and the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) funded the project. “JDA provided funding as part of the previous Corridors of Freedom pedestrian-friendly sidewalks upgrades,” Moodley said.

Once the project was completed, there were delays in handing over the park due to budget adjustments by the City. According to Moodley, this resulted in a delayed implementation since the master plan had to be revised and amended.

In addition to this was a snag list of pending items which was not completed and which required additional interventions. Moodley said, “The re-routing of stormwater outlets into the road reserve was subsequently undertaken by JDA through the contractor by utilising the retainers. All pending items were resolved and the park completed.”

The park faces security concerns which residents try to reduce by assisting. Moodley said, “The residents agreed to assist with opening and locking the park in accordance with the by-laws at sunrise and sunset.”

She said issues such as drug usage, alcohol intake and vandalism at the park are matters for direct referral to by-law enforcement agencies such as the Metro police. Moodley said park wardens will have regular patrols of the park and will escalate any incidents to the police.

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