The City of Ekurhuleni says Bakerton Stadium remains only partly accessible to the public, with some facilities deemed unsafe for use while maintenance and restoration work is being addressed.

The city’s spokesperson Zweli Dlamini told the Springs Advertiser that the stadium can still be booked despite the suspension of the metro’s electronic Infores booking system.

According to Dlamini, the residents, schools and sporting organisations wishing to use the facility can currently make bookings manually by visiting the booking office in Springs.

Bakerton Stadium falls under Category B of the city’s sports and recreation facilities.

Dlamini said the city does not currently consider regular maintenance of the stadium necessary, although the surroundings and buildings are cleaned daily.

“Seasonal minimal turf maintenance will begin in September 2026,” he said.

Dlamini shared that the city is aware of concerns about the condition of the basketball and netball courts, cricket nets and other sporting facilities.

According to Dlamini, these conditions were identified during regular site visits and were attended to.

However, he said some of the damage resurfaced following a recent storm. An inspection was also conducted after the storm.

He confirmed that not all facilities are currently safe for public use. Dlamini advised the community to wait for the burnt turf grass on the field of play to re-emerge before expecting the facility to become fully accessible.

“Not all the facilities are safe for use, especially the playing field,” Dlamini said, adding that the squash courts are safe for use.

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He indicated that concerns have also been raised about grass growing through some of the sporting surfaces. Dlamini acknowledged that grass is visible on the tennis courts, saying the problem could be treated.

He attributed the damage to fallen trees, which damaged the court surfaces and caused cracks through which grass has grown.

The city was also asked whether it had received requests from residents or community organisations to take responsibility for maintaining the stadium.

Dlamini expressed that the Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture division of the Community Services Department might have received such a request through a former divisional head who has since left the city’s employ.

He said the city would follow up on the matter and revert on the progress made. On the stadium’s future, Dlamini said restoration would be achieved through the required regular maintenance.