Sandiso Phaliso
GUGULETHU residents say they are grateful for the potential benefits of a park in the area upgraded to the tune of more than R5 million.
City of Cape Town’s mayoral committee member for community services, Belinda Walker, officially opened the Gugulethu Smart Park yesterday, telling the residents that the city recognised the important role public open spaces play in the physical and psychological well-being of residents, especially children.
The upgrade included the redevelopment of multipurpose sports courts with high-quality surfacing that can accommodate informal active play, including ball sports.
There is also an outdoor gym – a specific request from the community.
Walker said the aim was to “add value to the social, economic and environmental fabric of communities”.
“We want to develop creative and fun spaces that appeal to the communities in which they are situated.”
The park also boasts spaces for residents to relax and enjoy the outdoors, with shaded seated areas and picnic spots, and a state-of-the-art children’s play area.
Gugulethu resident Mzwakhe Ndzondo said such state-of-the-art equipment was long overdue in the area.
“We can only hope that this park would help address socio-economic conditions, especially among young people. It could encourage them to stay out of trouble and focus on positive engagements rather than drugs and alcohol, which have become their daily living,” said the 40-year-old.