Children and families in Fairland will soon enjoy a revitalised recreational area following the installation of a community-funded jungle gym at Union Jack Park on October 22.

The jungle gym is the latest addition to a community-driven effort to transform the park into a safer, more attractive space for families. Its installation follows permission from City Parks and assistance from Community-Cleaners.

The project follows another major community achievement – the installation of about 420 gum poles around the park to prevent vehicles from driving in and to help reclaim the space for residents. Community Cleaners representative Andre Swanepoel explained that the park had previously experienced problems with buses, cars and delivery vehicles parking inside the grounds. Weekend gatherings also raised concerns about noise, litter and disruptive behaviour.

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With community support and permission from City Parks, the fencing project went ahead, bringing immediate change as preventing vehicles from entering shifted how people used the grounds, Swanepoel explained.

Today, families and children are making greater use of the space in the afternoons, while learners from a nearby primary school also visit during their lunch breaks. The new jungle gym is the next step in turning Union Jack Park into a place where children can play, and families can enjoy the outdoors.

Ward 89 councillor Zander Shawe said the additions were vital for children living in nearby residential complexes where open ground is scarce, adding: “I think it’s going to bring great value to the community.”

A community effort worth celebrating

The transformation has been made possible through donations, sponsorships and hands-on assistance from residents and local businesses. Fairlands Hardware donated cement and concrete mix valued at about R3 000, while Beagle Watch contributed an auger and gum poles. Residents also donated poles and money, with some purchasing poles themselves to help make the fencing project a reality.

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Swanepoel estimated that the fencing cost about R70 000, while Shawe placed the figure at just under R80 000. Including the jungle gym, close to R150 000 has been invested in improving the park through community support over the past two to three months, according to Shawe.

Both Swanepoel and Shawe stressed that the progress would not have been possible without residents, local businesses and other supporters pulling together. The longer-term vision is to develop Union Jack Park into a fully fledged family-friendly space where children can play, and residents can enjoy picnics in a safe and welcoming environment.

Further improvements will depend on securing additional funding and sponsors. For now, the arrival of the jungle gym marks another important milestone in Union Jack Park’s transformation. It is a practical example of what a community can achieve when residents stop waiting for things to change and work together to make a difference.

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