Jimmy Aves Park in Garsfontein shut off to visitors for restoration

Jimmy Aves Park in Garsfontein has been gated off to visitors to allow for a rehabilitation process to commence.

It is unclear how long the park will be shut off to the public, according to the Ward 45 councillor, Elizabeth Basson.

The park in the east of Pretoria had faced years of neglect, tarnished by vagrancy and illegal dumping.

The area is set to be restored after vagrants were asked to vacate the area to allow for the enforcement of by-laws and restoration of the recreational facility.

The rehabilitation work underway is aimed at restoring the park to its former glory, creating a safe and welcoming space for residents and visitors.

Residents and nature lovers have recently raised concerns about safety and ecological damage as the park has deteriorated drastically and harbours criminal activity and massive littering.

The park was described as once beautiful with a stream, tennis court, pedestrian walk, and area for walking dogs.

Its current condition has angered local ratepayers, who blame the Tshwane metro for failing to maintain it by keeping excellent standards for safety and cleanliness for the community to enjoy a well-regulated public area.

Anger reached boiling point last year and the residents petitioned the metro to urgently remove the vagrants, enforce by-laws and ensure that park operating hours are adhered to.

Basson said in a bid to bring back the park to its former glory, the metro, CPF and residents are working together.

“The park was closed and squatters were told to vacate, for the purposes of clearing up the park.”

Basson said this move is also to clean the spruit ahead of the rainy season.

She said the metro has also involved the Home Affairs and Social Development departments to deal with the vagrancy effectively.

Basson stated that last week unknown people cut the locks to the park’s gates, as well as the fence to gain entry.

“The community, however, rallied together again and fixed the fence and bought extra locks to secure the park up until the rehabilitation and cleaning work is done,” she said.

Basson said the metro had also assured the community that the park would be rehabilitated and beautified in a timely manner for the residents to enjoy the park again.

She said the CPF, local security companies and police have also pledged to help through their regular patrols and more visibility around the park to deter any forced entry or criminal activity.

Basson expressed her appreciation to the metro, TMPD, CPF, police as well as the community.

“United we can develop and bring this park to its former glory. The regional head and her team have also worked hard to bring the developments to the park.”

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo previously said the city will ensure that by-laws are enforced at the park.

“There are monthly joint operations with the Tshwane metro police wherein police are involved. Recently, the community assisted in a joint clean-up operation which included ward councillors.”

Mashigo added that to ensure the park is clean, the metro will increase the number of staff members for the upkeep of the park.

He said notices are placed on the notice board to indicate the operating hours of the park which are from 06:00-18:00.

“These notice boards indicate the activities that are allowed in line with the by-laws. Locking the park will result in damaging fences which can’t be replaced due to budget constraints.”

Mashigo said the TMPD will be engaged to enforce by-laws.

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Source: The Citizen

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