Johannesburg’s Pieter Roos Park, once a cherished green space in Parktown, now stands as a stark reminder of frustration for residents. Established in 1912, the park has seen better days. Today, it is plagued by crime, litter, and makeshift shelters, leaving locals concerned for their safety and the neighbourhood’s well-being.

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Back in October 2021, the Parklane Village Body Corporate wrote to the City of Johannesburg, highlighting illegal structures, fires burning at night, and litter choking the grounds. They warned of risks, not just to residents, but to children, hospitals, schools, and even the nearby Constitutional Court precinct. Four years later, many residents feel those warnings have been largely ignored.

Parklane chairperson Alie Areington said they have not received any response from city departments. She explained that the condition of the park has worsened, with fires becoming more frequent and vagrants creating serious safety risks. Large gatherings on Sundays often leave the park in complete disorder, resulting in residents being too afraid to use it.

The neglect has also had wider repercussions. Safety concerns, public health risks, noise disturbances, and environmental degradation, including trees being cut down for fires, have reduced the park’s recreational value. Estate agent Suhail Timol warned that a badly run park can drag an entire neighbourhood down, scaring away families, professionals, and investors.

Residents have tried to cope by installing CCTV cameras and staying vigilant, but frustration runs deep. After years of reporting issues without meaningful response, they feel compelled to escalate the matter through the media. They want decisive action, clear communication, and accountability from the city.

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At the same time, the City of Johannesburg insists that Pieter Roos Park has not been neglected. Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) spokesperson Jenny Moodley explained that several interventions have been implemented, including weekly and monthly clean-ups, relocation of displaced dwellers during Covid-19, fencing installations, regular patrols by rangers and JMPD, and partnerships, such as the installation of an outdoor gym, funded by Talk Radio 702.

Moodley acknowledged that challenges persist, particularly illegal squatting and littering, due to limited enforcement capacity, but she emphasised that JCPZ collaborates regularly with JMPD, Social Services, CRUM, and Home Affairs to maintain safety and cleanliness. Residents and institutions are encouraged to escalate complaints directly to the JMPD 24-hour hotline for immediate by-law enforcement.

She also stressed that Pieter Roos Park is a priority facility. Targeted investments and partnerships have been directed to the park, demonstrating that it has not been neglected, although users must take ownership and comply with municipal by-laws.

The tension between residents’ lived experience and the city’s official efforts highlights a common challenge in urban management, with limited resources facing high expectations. For residents, the park remains unsafe and largely unusable. For the city, it is a priority site requiring ongoing collaboration and compliance to sustain improvements.

As Pieter Roos Park moves further into the 21st century, the question remains whether Johannesburg can restore safety, dignity, and enjoyment to one of its oldest public parks, or if it will remain a symbol of neglect.

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