Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), in partnership with the Glenhazel Residents Association and CAP Green on April 21, launched the newly rehabilitated Galliot Park in Glenhazel.

CAP Green contributed R3m towards the newly rehabilitated park.

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The newly upgraded park includes improved perimeter fencing with controlled access points, the installation of solar powered lighting in key areas of the park, and enhanced safety measures that support regular community use.

Speaking at the park-adoption ceremony on April 21 was Ward 72’s councillor Daniel Schay, “A year ago, when I was approached to sign for the park to be adopted, it was a park filled with sand. Seeing transformation in less than a year from sand to a safe paradise for the community is beautiful.”

Schay added that through the power of community and partnership, the ward has achieved something unbelievable.

Amanda Porter, CAP’s CEO, highlighted that the mandate of the NPO was to inspire communities to appreciate the spaces they exist in, “Because when people love where they live, they take ownership and care.”

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Porter added that CAP Green exists to reimagine public spaces so that they’re beautiful, vibrant and safer.

“We are guided by principles, crime prevention through environmental design which recognises that the way a space is designed and cared for, directly influences safety and community use,” she noted.

Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo’s managing director, Thanduxolo Mendrew commended Glenhazel community’s ability to be proactive.

“Galliot Park was a typical municipal green space, like many parks in Johannesburg it went through periods of neglect, overgrown vegetation, litter and lack of facilities. Since 2010, local residents raised their hands in 2010 and took an active role in reclaiming this space and improved it.”

Mendrew added that the most significant chapter of this park was the launch of its rehabilitation today which was led by CAPG Green, guided by the ward councillor and COJ.

@caxtonjoburgnorth Watch: Officials express jubilation over the upgraded Galliot Park in Glenhazel. Video: Asanda Matlhare #Rosebank #JCPZ ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

“It was designed to be an active community hub, the key ideas behind this development weren’t about landscaping but restoring community pride and hope. A park redesigned to be welcoming and functional,” he said.

The City of Johannesburg’s senior manager in strategic planning and business development, Tumi Mputle highlighted that the past five months required patience, collaboration and shared commitment.

“Thank you to the CAP Green team who have invested a whooping R3 million into the upgrades of this park.”