VEREENIGING – Vosloo Park a popular family recreation site along the Vaal River has deteriorated into what residents describe as a polluted, vandalised and increasingly unsafe public space.

Local nature conservationist and Field Guide Association of South Africa (FGASA) member Mike Maxwell, who has lived in Three Rivers for nearly 50 years, says the park has shifted from a vibrant community landmark to a neglected environment plagued by environmental damage, illegal activity and collapsing infrastructure.

Speaking to Vaalweekblad on the banks of the Klip River Maxwell reflected on the park’s former popularity.

“This park was like my second home,” he said. “We used to come here on weekends, go fishing, ride bicycles, swim in the river… it was where we grew up.”

But according to him, those days are long gone.

Pollution and infrastructure strain

Maxwell says the Klip River and surrounding water systems have become heavily polluted, raising concerns about water quality and aquatic life.

“The fish are highly toxic due to sewage in the Klip River,” he said, adding that aging infrastructure is under severe pressure and showing signs of failure.

He claims sewage contamination and leaking infrastructure have worsened in recent years.

Illegal dumping, vandalism and environmental damage

According to Maxwell, large sections of the park have been damaged by vandalism, illegal dumping and the burning and removal of trees.

He alleges that trees are being cut down or burned, sometimes leading to structural collapse during windy conditions.

He also highlighted ongoing illegal dumping of household and garden waste, which he says is worsening rodent infestations and ultimately washing into the Vaal River during floods.

Concerns over illegal occupation and safety

Maxwell further raised concerns about informal occupation within the park, saying it has contributed to intimidation of visitors including boaters, fishermen and families.

“The squatters are the main problem,” he said, alleging that illegal occupants are responsible for intimidation, environmental damage and the use of wood for makeshift structures and fires.

He also confirmed that snares have recently been removed from the area, indicating ongoing illegal trapping of small wildlife.

Loss of recreational facilities

Once a well-used recreational hub, Vosloo Park previously hosted family gatherings, braais and a skateboard park.

Maxwell says these facilities have since been destroyed or fallen into disrepair.

Municipal responsibility questioned

Maxwell says responsibility for the park lies with the Emfuleni Parks Department but claims a lack of equipment and maintenance capacity has contributed to the decline.

“They don’t have the cutters, they don’t have the weed eaters,” he said.

“Not likely to recover in my lifetime”

When asked whether the park can realistically be restored, Maxwell expressed doubt.

“It will not be fixed in my lifetime,” he said. “It will take a lot of work, effort and community involvement.”

He referenced previous community clean-up efforts, saying they ultimately failed due to low participation.

Future concerns

Maxwell warned that if conditions continue to deteriorate, Vosloo Park could become unrecognisable within five years.

“It will become overgrown… a place for drug dealers and drinkers if nothing is done,” he said.

A park at a crossroads

Despite its current condition, Maxwell believes the park could still be restored if sustained intervention and community cooperation are achieved.

“To bring tourism back, you need a place like this functioning properly again,” he said.