Picturesque and shady, Glenhazel Park, known to locals as Glenhazel Japanese Gardens Park, is not only a focal point of the suburb, but a source of frustration for Ward 72 councillor Steven Kruger and resident Denny Rademeyer.
The Japanese Gardens that gave the park its name have long washed away in the storm water flooding the Jukskei tributary that runs through it, followed by the dam that was constructed to replace them. Today, summer rains turn the park into a tangle of greenery, and Kruger and Rademeyer are concerned that maintenance is simply not keeping pace.
According to Rademeyer, of the park’s 55 electrical lights, a mere 20 are operational. After persistent follow-ups from Rademeyer and Kruger, several lights have been reinforced with concrete bases to prevent them falling over, but have not been repaired, and in many places unprotected electrical wires protrude from bare lampposts. Eight fallen lampposts have not been replaced, and the park’s electrical control box is battered and unlocked.
“We are making progress, but not as much as we want,” said Kruger, explaining that while the grass is regularly cut, more rigorous general maintenance is less forthcoming.
As Joburg City Parks responded to the North Eastern Tribune’s enquiry with the promise that a contractor has undertaken to begin work immediately, Kruger and Rademeyer may soon have some of their wishes fulfilled – but they continue to nurse hopes of a full facelift.
Kruger would like to see a cycle track, a playground and an outdoor gym constructed for the use of locals. In addition, as summer flooding has worsened with the runoff from developments springing up in Glenhazel, as well as from unmaintained storm water drains, Rademeyer believes that an engineered dam is required to withstand periodic storm water surges that turn the park into a marsh. While R1 million was reportedly allocated for upgrades last year, funds were withdrawn due to budget cuts, and have not been reallocated, leaving Kruger and Rademeyer to hope that private capital might be raised to help with the expensive upgrades.
