Locals hope to revitalise Florida Lake
Through its strategic collaboration with Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo, the foundation aims to re-invent the space and its ancillary buildings.
Passionate about moving their community forward, ATI Foundation founder Sifiso Kunene and benefactor Rupert September hope to revitalise the Florida Lake and restore the area to its former glory.
ATI stands for Agang Tswelopele Industries which means ‘building successful industries’. The foundation is focused on human development by providing relevant framework structures for individuals, especially those from previously disadvantaged areas and backgrounds.
Through its strategic collaboration with Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo, the foundation aims to re-invent the space and its ancillary buildings.
“It’s just sad to see the lake’s current state. That’s why we hope to create a high-end environment for the entire family. A place where they can feel safe, have fun and even learn,” September said.
He went on to say that the project will commence with the revitalisation of the mini golf course, which will be called ‘The 19th Hole Mini Golf Driving Range and Golf Academy’.
With this the foundation hopes to provide schools, public benefit organisations and community members who are interested in golf as a sport and a career with the opportunity to pursue the sport in a modern environment.
According to Kunene the project will hopefully commence in February next year and take approximately one year to complete.
“This facility will facilitate the opportunity to practice and sharpen one’s golfing skills as well as further intricacies of the sport. Most importantly it will be a recreational facility that will promote social cohesion,” Kunene explained.
“The foundation has also done a security risk assessment of the entire park and its surrounds and has concluded a security plan that when implemented will include the participation of the local security, police and CPF. This collaboration will assist in curbing the current criminal activities that are currently happening at the lake including substance abuse.”
Part of the collaboration with Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo are as follows but not limited to:
• Rehabilitation and clean up of the lake
• Boating/ water sports with safety regulations
• Newly designed picnic areas
• Maintenance and upkeep of greenery
“This will also create jobs opportunities for local residents. The lake should eventually be a venue that promotes social cohesion, economic development and social development,” September said.
The determined duo hopes to encourage public participation and would thus like to invite community members to contact them should they wish to know more or get involved. Rupert can be contacted on 068 071 2377 or rupert@atifoundation.co.za. Emails can also be sent to kunene@atifoundation.co.za.
The Record contacted Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo and Ward Councillor Caleb Finn for comment on the matter, but haven’t received any at the time the article was published.
