Metro teams cut the grass to improve safety in Sinoville. Photo: Supplied
Efforts to improve safety and accessibility in Ward 50 continue as overgrown public spaces receive attention, with Trim Park in Sinoville recently cut ahead of summer.
Ward 50 councillor Lenise Breytenbach said keeping parks properly maintained was particularly important during summer, when more residents and children are likely to use public spaces.
“Cutting the park is important as we head into summer because the warmer weather means more residents will be using these public spaces,” said Breytenbach.
She said Trim Park was particularly important because of its location near an educational facility and its use by children and other community members.
“Children should be able to play there without parents having to worry about overgrown grass, poor visibility or possible hazards hidden in the vegetation,” she said.
The park’s maintenance comes as residents prepare for the warmer summer months. Photo: Supplied
Resident Jani van Zyl welcomed the cutting, saying the park would provide children with a place to play while schools are closed.
“Now that the schools are closed, it is important for children to have somewhere safe where they can play. Having the grass cut makes the park more accessible and gives children an opportunity to spend time outside,” said Van Zyl.
Sidewalks were also maintained in the area. Photo: Supplied
Willem van der Westhuizen said the improved park could also encourage residents to exercise outdoors.
“People can use the park to exercise in the morning, whether they are walking, running or doing other activities. Knowing that the area is properly maintained can also make people feel safer while using it,” said Van der Westhuizen.
Breytenbach said regular maintenance was needed to prevent the park from becoming overgrown again.
“We need a consistent maintenance programme across Ward 50. Cutting the grass once is not enough if the area is simply allowed to become overgrown again. Residents deserve public spaces that are properly maintained and safe to use,” she said.
She added that maintaining parks and sidewalks should form part of the metro’s routine service-delivery responsibilities.
Trott Chaane is a journalist at Pretoria Rekord, focusing on local news. With experience in audio editing and online news, Trott delivers well-researched and accurate articles. Dedicated to impactful journalism, he is passionate about growing in the field and making a difference.
