Residents, community volunteers, and political representatives have vowed to continue restoring the neglected Albertskroon swimming pool and surrounding park, saying the area can once again become a safe recreational space if communities work together.

Ward 86 candidate Gregory Hart, who joined residents during a community clean-up on August 15, said local initiatives needed greater support and co-ordination to create lasting change, rather than once-off interventions.

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Hart said the clean-up formed part of a broader effort to encourage residents to reclaim public spaces. “Once people become activated, the residents stand together and support one another. If we can restore a sense of pride and hope in our communities, we can begin turning things around.”

He said more clean-up campaigns were planned in the coming weeks, with volunteers working alongside residents’ groups across the ward.

Rather than isolated neighbourhood efforts, Hart said he hoped to build partnerships between community organisations, businesses, community policing forums, law enforcement, and private security companies to ensure public facilities remained safe and well maintained.

Among the longer-term proposals are adopting the park, improving access control, introducing regular opening and closing hours, and encouraging businesses to help maintain the public space.

Hart said the neglected swimming pool remained one of residents’ biggest concerns.

Although sports and recreation officials had been engaging with the community, he said the department lacked sufficient resources to carry out repairs needed to restore the facility.

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He added that residents continued paying rates and taxes and deserved functioning recreational facilities in return.

The park has also become a concern because of illegal activity and displaced individuals occupying sections of the grounds, making many families reluctant to use the area.

Hart said addressing those concerns required more than law enforcement alone.

According to Hart, restoring public confidence means ensuring parks are clean, safe, and properly managed, so families feel comfortable returning to facilities that once served as important community gathering places.

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