Bruce Douglas
Through a multi-million Rand investment, the legacy of Newcastle’s play parks is being set in stone.
Vish Govender, Head of Parks, Recreation and Community Safety, explained that by the end of 2017, the municipality’s five-year plan will have improved 25 parks, out of the 35 total in the Newcastle area.
The plan also provided for new parks, created to mirror those of Crawford Street and at the Amanath Centre.
Mr Govender proclaimed provisions in the Newcastle local municipal budget, coupled with a R12-million boost from the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), had brought the matter of parks full circle.
“Newcastle was one of four municipalities selected for the funding, out of hundreds of applicants.”
Although Mr Govender expressed confidence in the turnaround in the state of parks since clear direction was given, he admitted vandalism remained a primary obstacle for equitable service delivery in terms of recreation.
At the Amanath Centre, for example, a new swing was damaged by an adult using equipment designed for children.
“It’s sad to see adults on the children’s equipment; when confronted, they either become abusive or run away without taking responsibility.”
Mr Govender explained there had been numerous instances where adults attempted to use the see-saw or swings with their children, resulting in extensive damage to recreational equipment in an area already stretched thin in terms of budget constraints.
Parks, he reiterated, were not the only priorities for local government to set money aside for.
“The municipal budget is not a bank for departments to take money for whatever they want.”
Touting the value of parks as a means to assist in the reduction of crime and the holistic development of society as a whole, Mr Govender said residents needed to work alongside the municipality to ensure the vandalism tide could be stemmed.
Investments made now, he added, would also be of benefit to future generations.
“We need to have equipment used in the way it was intended to be used, and not by adults.”
Mr Govender explained that at the new e-parks, such as Crawford Street, Ebony Street and at the Amanath Centre, equipment such as volleyball nets and gym gear had been installed for use by adults specifically.
He urged anyone bearing witness to vandalism to contact Protection Services immediately.
“We need the community to take ownership of these parks and be more responsible for them. Use your discretion, please!”
Beyond the installation of new and the rehabilitation of current play equipment, Mr Govender said the decision had been made to convert some areas into what he dubbed passive parks, focused more on the utilisation of open space.
With benches, bins and trees, these green areas will serve as picnic and de-stress spots for residents.
“But if we cannot curb vandalism, we will regress and not progress.”
