Ernest Ullman Park’s future uncertain

To acknowledge the Ernest Ullmann Recreation Centre’s 34th birthday last week, Sandton Chronicle sat down with ‘The Friends of Ullmann Park’ Committee Members, Jenny Rahme and Elsie van Soelen who shared the park’s history and activities for the Sandton community.

The park was owned by South African artist and sculptor Ernest Ullmann.  In 1979, after his passing, the council acquired the Park and set up a recreation centre.
Spaces opened up to rent and daily classes for the community were available.

Approximately 8 years ago, the structure changed and Ernest Ullmann Park was left with no stable funds for maintenance.

Instead of waiting around for the city to provide budget for upkeep, Rahme and Van Soelen were proactive and started “The Friends of Ullmann Park’ Committee in November 2010.
This was created to help with maintenance by generating funds to assist the council. Students utilising the facilities donate an affiliation fee to the Park and they also rely on donations made to the Park.

The activities are constantly expanding and focused on dance, education, pottery, gymnastics, martial arts, a playschool, and many more.

Rahme explained that they are low staffed and the city has no funds to replace people who retire, so they have taken over the responsibility to assist with the  maintenance.

“We both run community services. We are busy all day and do not have time, but do the best we can.”
Rahme has been teaching Dancing at the centre since 1983. She sees the Community Centre as a safe haven and provides her service for an affordable rate to the community and is involved in outreach for the underprivileged.
Van Soelen, who owns the Kip Mc Grath Education Centre, has dedicated her time to help to educate and encourage children.

“We offer more than classes, there is an emotional and spritual love here. We have invested time and energy into the place. The centre is an extension of ourselves,” said Van Soelen.

The park is in jeopardy and might end its communal projects as the city wants to privatise and lease the land. They are holding a meeting at the Ullmann Park to discuss the future of the centre on 17 October at 18:30 in the main hall.

The community is most welcome.