THE Yellowwood Park and Woodhaven Ratepayers and Residents Association is appealing to residents and business owners to lend a hand and help restore three neighbourhood parks as the Parks Department struggles to keep up with demands to maintain the spaces.

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Mike Andrews, infrastructure and environment co-ordinator for the association, said that they have been engaging in discussions with the City regarding the parks’ maintenance. The association aims to broaden its efforts and improve infrastructure and public spaces across the area.

Following a public meeting on March 3, residents supported a long-term plan of natural rehabilitation and increased usability of the public parks. Among the key recommendations were that 70% of each park be devoted to natural areas, “No-Mow Zones” be created to encourage the return of wildlife, and clean and usable spaces be maintained around road verges and pathways. The Parks Department has approved this plan.

“Our parks, however, are low on the City’s priority list. The Parks Department is heavily under-resourced. Parks that should receive monthly cuts are lucky to get four cuts a year, and by consequence, they are virtually unusable,” he said.

The three spaces and plans:

The association has adopted three playlots under the City’s Adopt-A-Spot programme. These include the Linnet Road Playlot, Tern Way Playlot and Heron Park Playlot.

The five-stage redevelopment of each playlot proposed by the association includes: 

1. Carrying out routine grass-cutting and edges maintenance,
2. Renovating the playground equipment and signage.
3. Install fencing along the back-of-verge areas
4. Eliminate alien vegetation and planting local flora.
5. Add additional amenities like benches.

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Depending on availability of funds, the association is hoping to start with either one or two parks before scaling up to all three. While the vision is clear, Andrews emphasised that the association cannot do it on its own.

“The big issue now is growing community involvement – both in terms of financial input and hands-on support. In future, we hope the City will recognise the value of these parks and adequately resource the Parks Department. But right now, we either put our hands in our pockets or accept the unkempt condition of our parks,” he said.

The goal, he said, is not just to renovate the parks but to create “pockets of excellence” that spur residents to take pride in their surroundings and prompt more families to become an active part of the association.

Want to lend a helping hand:

Businesses and community members wishing to contribute to funding of the park restoration project may deposit contributions into the association’s Standard Bank account, account number: 1019 301 9890 with the reference of your name and street. If you have further queries you can contact Sheila Philogene from the association on 079 941 7499.

Notice:

The Yellowwood Park and Woodhaven Ratepayers and Residents Association are also encouraging the community to attend their AGM on December 2 at the Yellowwood Park Civic Centre at 18:30.

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