GEORGE NEWS - A park in Newton Street that used to be the stomping ground for young children as far back as 1966 and more recently became a den for unsavoury characters and criminals, has once again been transformed into a beautiful family-friendly park.
According to Ward Councillor Sean Snyman, who was approached in 2016 by a resident who grew up and lived his entire life in George, Jan Stander, the park was covered in litter, the grass was long, and it was simply a foul place and an eyesore for years.
Transforming it, however, didn't happen overnight as it was essentially a community project. All the apparatus, tables, chairs and plants are donations collected by residents of George South, while the fencing was completed in a joint project approved by the ward committee and an NPO.
The park was beautified by members of the George South community and their ward councillor, Sean Snyman.
"Once the initial transformation had taken place, the residents joined hands and this is the result," said Snyman. And while we were sitting at one of the donated tables on a sunny Wednesday last week, he looked up to see children playing on the swings.
"This is what we wanted for the park. This is what we wanted for the community. A place where children can play in a safe and healthy environment," Snyman said.
The park that was once used by drug abusers and other unsavoury elements is now a beautiful, fenced park where young and old can relax and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us.
"I would like to thank every member of the community for pulling together as this has been a project that everybody needs to take credit for. However, there is a committee that has worked hard to co-ordinate the planting of trees and flowers, cutting the grass, painting, and repairing the equipment. I would like to ask that anybody wanting to contribute towards this project by means of time or donations to please contact Jan Stander on 079 448 9926. I believe in my heart that Ward 28 has shown we can accomplish great things together," said Snyman.
Sunet Barnard (left) and Demi-Lee Privost enjoying a sunny Wednesday afternoon in the park. Photos: Kristy Kolberg
The park before it was transformed by the community.
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