George Lea Park under new ownership

This after a series of complaints by community members regarding the slow and steady decline of the park which is adjacent to the sports club facilities as a recreational space.

“It has been tragic to see an area that was once designated as a world-class playground and sport ground become a haven for drug dealers, an inappropriate home for the homeless, and a work site for migrant workers who are recycling plastic and cardboard on the banks of the river in the wetland zone,” said concerned resident, Margot van Ryneveld.

“On a personal level, my now deceased son, was exposed to drugs at George Lea Park and was supplied with cocaine and heroin by dealers that operate daily from the park,” added Van Ryneveld. She said she hopes that by the sports club taking over the park it will result in positive outcomes for the wider community.

Ashley Francis, secretary of the sports club, had previously said the club wanted to take over the park. “We are happy that now the park will be incorporated into our lease,” said Francis. “There has been an agreement and we’re just waiting for all the [addenda] to be signed.”

Deputy chairperson of the Parkmore Community Association, Kate Wardle, said since the park area was a wetland, the lease came with environmental conditions that the club would need to adhere to. “This lease means that the park can now be finally secured and fenced off and a massive clean-up can finally take place,” added Wardle.

Ward 90 councillor Anthony Still said the City of Johannesburg was working on solutions for the people who have settled in the park.

“The people that live at the park will be removed as it is a health and safety hazard for them to be staying in a riparian wetland area,” said Chantal Janneker, marketing and communications officer of the Johannesburg Property Company.

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