Parks in Johannesburg are extremely important as they serve as a relaxation zone for residents to spend some time with their families on weekends or during the week. According to Ward 89 councillor Ingrid Reinten, the City of Johannesburg has a shortage of parks but she added that residents in Constantia Kloof are very lucky to have Kroton Street Park.
She said, “The park is still relatively new as it was [only] constructed about three years ago but it is well maintained by the Constantia Kloof North Resident’s Association, that pitches in to keep the park clean.”
The association’s chairperson John Baisley explained that the park used to be a rubbish dump and an eyesore for the surrounding community. “About four years ago, a bulldozer showed up with workers from City Parks who removed the rubble and R1 million later, the beautiful park that we know today was created.”
Baisley added that since its opening, the park has been a big hit with families over weekends. “The fact that they feel safe is why they return to the park. We have two security vehicles that patrol our area and for the last four years no big incidents have happened at the park.”
Reinten said, “The area only has about four entrances which are all well patrolled by the security companies and residents in this area feel safe and some say it even feels like the countryside.”
Baisley concluded, “The park is maintained by City Parks who play a big role in keeping the park as beautiful as it is. We have to thank them for their hard work and dedication as they recently repainted the outside fencing of the park and every two weeks they come around to trim and cut the grass.”
