‘On the fence’

The heartbeat of the Central Business District, littered with condoms, rubbish, wrappers and apparent empty promises. This, however, is not the case anymore.

The Paterson Street park has been hauled into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons in recent months.

Tagged the ‘park of shame’, residents found themselves teed off and staring an obvious ‘eyesore’ in the face.

Earlier this year, Community Services Chief Security Officer, Pieter Marais confirmed a security guard would be stationed at the park on a 24-hour basis from April 1.

“He [the guard] will be in contact with his control room and in the event of any eventualities, he will be assisted by his response team and the SAPS if need be.”

Cautiously optimistic, the community seemed content with somewhat of a lukewarm result. However, late last week, critics were silenced indefinitely.

A guard, fully-equipped to combat alleged ‘debauchery’, reported for duty, sparking conversation among those familiar with the park’s sordid past.

Problem park to be fenced?

During the 2015/2016 Budget and State of the Town Address on March 31, Mayor Afzul Rehman announced play parks in Newcastle would be receiving a major upgrade.

“Three play parks in the west will be upgraded to the tune of R2-million with all the new equipment. These include Fernwood, Paterson Street and Aviary Hill.”

Cllr Rehman further stated his intervention, together with that of the Executive Committee, into the ‘infamous Paterson Street park has reaped some results’.

“Bright lighting and the threat of CCTV camera coverage have seen a reduction in disorderly behaviour.”

It soon became evident the municipality was no longer turning a blind eye to a relatively small piece of land riddled with ‘social sickness’.

“I am now pleased to announce, Honourable Speaker, that this budget has a further R180 000 to fence that park,” he concluded.

As the municipality gears up to take the town to task, the owners of businesses within the vicinity of the ‘park of shame’ could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

While the costly upgrades are likely to take some time, residents cannot deny the ‘park of shame’ has taken on a completely new look.

“It is wonderful to see how clean the park is. I drive down Paterson Street almost every morning on my way to work and it makes me proud to know our municipality did not go back on their word. Thank you, Cllr Rehman for making the ‘park of shame’ your personal project!” exclaimed a resident.

While leaps and bounds are being made in the right direction, the community can only hope the Paterson Street park’s tainted reputation does not get in the way of transformation.