Union Jack Park in Fairland received another improvement with the delivery of a new jungle gym, which was installed following approval from City Parks.
The equipment gave children in the surrounding neighbourhood more opportunities to play outdoors as efforts continued to make the park a welcoming space for families.

Community Cleaners, which has been involved in improving the park alongside local residents, confirmed that permission had been obtained from City Parks for the installation. Ward 89 councillor Zander Shawe said the new facility would be particularly valuable in an area where many families lived in complexes with limited space for children to play. “I think it will mean a lot because the park hasn’t been used for family activities,” Shawe said.

Read more: New jungle gym boosts Fairland park transformation

He said the jungle gym would give children somewhere to play outside their homes and provide greater value to families living nearby. Shawe added that the community had been excited about the project and had looked forward to using the park more once the equipment was installed.

The jungle gym followed the installation of a 420 gum-pole fence around the park, an initiative led by Community Cleaners and the local community with City Parks’ approval.

Andre Swanepoel of Community Cleaners said residents had raised concerns about vehicles entering the park, including buses, cars and delivery vehicles. He said the park had also experienced disruptive gatherings, excessive noise and litter.

Also read: Community Cleaners transform Fairland parks

According to Swanepoel, the fencing had made an immediate difference by restricting vehicle access and encouraging residents to use the space more frequently. The improvements have been made possible through donations from residents and local businesses. Fairland Hardware donated cement and concrete mix valued at about R3 000, while Beagle Watch contributed an auger and some gum poles. Residents also donated poles and money, with some purchasing poles themselves to help complete the fencing.

He said the idea of adding a jungle gym had emerged after a resident approached the local councillor about improving the park for children. Shawe said the project would not have been possible without contributions from residents and businesses.

The jungle gym was valued at close to R50 000, according to Shawe, while further improvements would depend on funding and sponsorship.

He said there were plans to develop the park into a more comprehensive family-friendly space, with facilities where children could play, and residents could enjoy picnics in a safe environment.

The installation of the jungle gym marked another step in the community’s efforts to improve Union Jack Park and make it a more welcoming space for families.

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