Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Special Projects, Alderman Belinda Walker officially opened Lembede Park on Wednesday, 26 June 2013. The park is located in Mandela Park, Khayelitsha.
The park, in Lembede Crescent, was developed by the City’s Parks department, with the needs of the community in mind. Trees were planted and tables and seating were built which turned the area into an inviting space. The design of the new Lembede Park will encourage residents to linger and enjoy the green space, says Alderman Walker.
Children will have hours of fun in the play area, which has been fitted with rubberised matting for their safety. Because of size limitations, grass was not appropriate instead paving has been utilised. The bricks are arranged into hopscotch patterns and a number of traditional games form part of the design.
Developing the park forms part of the Mayor’s Redress Programme.
“This park is an excellent example of how the small spaces in our neighbourhoods can be utilised to their maximum. The Lembede Park design shows a real understanding of how to create a space where people of all ages can enjoy recreational time outdoors. It is a model neighbourhood park which I am sure will be the source of many happy times for the surrounding community,” Alderman Walker said at the opening.
The City continually looks for innovative ways to create green and recreational spaces which residents will value. The creation of green spaces in neighbourhoods is important for creating a sense of community that adds to and complements amenities such as clinics and schools.
These green spaces also increase the value of properties in the area and encourage economic activity while parks help to preserve the environment and create a home for wildlife and plants. Well-designed parks encourage residents to exercise, in this way warding off chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Residents also have calm spaces in which to relax and reenergise.
There are other exciting park upgrades which have been funded by the Mayor’s Redress Fund and developed by City Parks. Funza Park in Harare was upgraded and now has a toddler play section with a timber play structure and rubber matting for a safe and friendly playing environment. Outdoor gym equipment also had been installed to promote healthy lifestyle for this community.
The first phase of the Inkwilli Park in Makhaza redevelopment has seen extensive upgrades. R1 million was also used to upgrade play parks in wards 18 and 90.
“The provision of recreational spaces is important to us as a City because we want our residents to meet and engage with one another to build communities and to enjoy active leisure time,” Alderman Walker said.
