Park a testament to decay
“Two years ago, we were told the park wouldn't be opened quickly. It still opened a few months later. The cement bases weren't sunk so there wasn't a base for the equipment. I think the municipality tried to do a rush job.”
The Amanath Centre Playpark was once a source of great pride for residents.
In recent months, however, pride has made way for disgust.
Modelled to be the equivalent of the Crawford Street Eco-Urban Park, the Amanath Centre park was designed to offer residents in Lennoxton the same healthy benefits.
Vandalism and abuse have made the park all but redundant.
Certain pieces of equipment lie abandoned and broken on the grass, missing bolts or loose foundations cutting their usefulness short.
Even a brick water fountain at the park’s centre has been wrecked.
“It’s ridiculous. People are sick, can’t maintain the equipment and then bugger it up,” exclaimed a nearby shop owner.
Others are of a similar opinion.
Two businessmen, identified as Goga and Abdul, said they had lodged numerous complaints with the municipality in the preceding months.
Both men claimed the damage to the park was the fault of teens and adults.
And while full-time security was placed to safeguard equipment at the park, the dilapidated state thereof was called ‘disgusting’.
“Two years ago, we were told the park wouldn’t be opened quickly. It still opened a few months later. The cement bases weren’t sunk so there wasn’t a base for the equipment. I think the municipality tried to do a rush job.”
An on-site security guard confirmed adults were damaging park equipment.Stating problems had cropped up as far back as January, no indication was given as to measures or steps taken against those responsible for the vandalism.
Last month, complaints were raised with Mayor, Afzul Rehman by residents.
Responding through the SMS the Mayor column, Cllr Rehman said the matter would be taken up with the security company, and he was not impressed.
By Tuesday, officials confirmed repairs to park equipment had begun.
