Paddadam project a thing of beauty
With the help of the community, the Paddadam has once more become a thing of beauty on the Vryheid landscape.
Elaine Rodway
2016 draws to a close and with it the countless months of toil and drudgery that have gone into the restoration of the Paddadam Park.
Doug Grewar, who has been the driving force behind the operation, has worked tirelessly to ensure that this project reached completion and, with the help of the community, the Paddadam has once more become a thing of beauty on the Vryheid landscape.
Rista Dykes Du Plessis wrote on social media, “Congrats, Doug Grewar and team. You are an inspiration to our little town. Hope others will be inspired by what you’ve done. If it is only by keeping their own properties clean and respecting that of others.”
A few steps have been taken to ensure that the Paddadam and the park area remain in this newly improved condition. Doug Grewar writes, “There is a gate man at the chain gate. You will be asked to sign in your name and car number and a donation will be requested.
“It is the opinion of the team that a gate man is necessary for several reasons. He is there to ensure that the basic rules are adhered to, such as small children are not allowed to swim without adult supervision. The park is intended for peaceful enjoyment by families so littering, loud music, drunkeness, motor bikes and quads are not welcome. In any emergency, he can call for assistance from team members and the Neighbourhood Watch.
“We are just blundering along on a learning curve, trying to ensure that Paddadam does not get destroyed again after all the hard work and community money that has been put into cleaning it up.
“As time goes on we will hopefully improve. Public input is welcome but donations are more welcome.”
