Fontainebleau Park a mess

Lack of maintenance at Fontainebleau Park has reportedly left it in a dismal state and unsafe for residents to use.

So complained Ward 104 councillor Mike Wood, after raising the issue with Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo.

Two of the three divisions of the park have mounds of plastic and furniture, with the third and largest section of the park mostly clear except for the constantly crowded substation, where people allegedly gamble for most of the day.

Homeless and reclaimers have taken over the park, sleeping in it at night, lighting fires and using the space to sort recyclables during the day. But this is not unusual for green spaces in Joburg. “Until the city has a sustainable solution for the homeless, this will be ongoing,” Wood said.

“Inter-department operations can come and clean the place up, and ask the guys to leave, but they will come back.”

Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo spokesperson, Jenny Moodley was notified about the state of Fontainebleau Park on 14 May. Comment was also requested from her regarding the maintenance of the park but she has yet to respond.

This is a developing story, and the Randburg Sun will report any updates as they unfold.