The park has standard playground equipment, but also provides some facilities for the playing of indigenous games, a small stage for informal performances, as well as tables and benches where parents can watch their youngsters playing.
The NY43 Park was opened today (Thursday, 22 June 2006) by the Ward Councillor Ntombende Landingwe. Chairperson of the Amenities and Sport Portfolio Committee, Cllr Garin Cavanagh also attended and participated in the ceremonial tree planting ceremony to kick-start the greening of the park.
Cllr Landingwe said: "The local Subcouncil has approved to use the entire annual Ward allocation of R200 000 to develop the new facility. This facility symbolises hope and demonstrates the commitment of the City of Cape Town to improve the living conditions of the people of Guguletu".
Apart from the playground equipment, there are tarred pathways where children can use their skate boards or roller skates plus an area where they can play some of the age-old indigenous games such as puca, hop-scotch and kennetjie.
Some of the cement tables will also be painted with chequered boards where people can sit down and play chess or draughts.
According to Vuyiswa Magobolo of the City Parks Directorate, who grew up in the area, the park has been developed with community needs in mind. "Our local residents love singing. We therefore installed a mini stage where informal performances can take place.
We believe that this new facility will go a long way in getting our children to play games and become active again. There is nothing wrong with modern electronic games, but they need to be able to also play outside," she says.
Issued by:
Lisle Brown
Media Liaison Officer
Tel: 021 400 3065
Cell: 084 888 1901
Communication and Marketing
City of Cape Town
Email: media@capetown.gov.za
Tel: 021 400 2201
Fax: 021 957 0023
Vuyiswa Magobolo
Area Manager
City Parks
Tel: 021 637 1333
Cell: 084 451 0350