Windmill at its best
Business owners responsible for the state of the windmill in Windmill Park.
Thanks to conscientious business owners, the windmill at the Windmill Park and the gardens are a joyful sight for residents of Springs.
Pioneers Park, better known as the Windmill Park, was used for a wedding photo shoot, in September, for the first time in years.
“The project was a step in the right direction,” says Mary Reynolds of SA Reynolds Travel Centre who has adopted the park as a project.
She has relentlessly sought support from local business to restore it to its former glory and thus far the list of sponsors includes: Auto Alpina Springs, SUMP, Alan Black, SA Reynolds Travel Centre, Springs Car Radio, Holiday Inn Roadhouse, Total Dyna Tune-Up Centre, Top Screens cc, The Palace.
Mary adds this process has proven tricky, however, with the current business sector involved it makes a huge difference.
“A big thank you to all the business sponsors and the once of sponsors namely De Jager and Van Blerk and Element 6,” she says.
Parks Department manager Lindiwe Makubalo, as well as Joel Sekatle also from the parks department and Real Estate must be given special thanks to for approving the electricity to enable the windmill to finally turn.
“They also replaced the new park furniture and gym equipment. They were also responsible for the planting and development of flower beds and lastly, the construction of pathways to avoid pedestrians walking on the grass,” adds Mary.
Special mention goes to Mervyn Hoeben of Metro Electricity Department, for providing the DB boards and electrics.
“The team that head the Springs Clean Project are Fanie Louw, Christo Fourie, Johan Roets, Dewaal Greyling, Elmo Van Schalkwyk, William Hunt and Lizette Combrink and we are grateful for their support,” says Mary.
The Eastern Gauteng Chamber of Commerce & Industries initiated the clean Springs project.
“Derrick Vilikazi of Vilakazi’s Garden Services, is doing an amazing job as the successful garden contractor in the park.”
However, says Mary, there are still huge challenges facing the project which can derail its success and sustainability such as the need for more sponsors.
“Ongoing crime in the park is a huge problem and the safety and degeneration of the ventilation shaft needs to be addressed,” adds Mary.
Mary says at the top of the park no work is being done yet and vagrants and illegal inhabitants are causing vandalism and crime.
With safety of sponsored assets an ever-present concern, Tony da Cruz from ProSafe provides security patrols to keep tabs on the windmill, and the park, on a regular basis.
Those willing to lend support to the worthy cause are encouraged to contact Mary at 083 283 6241.
