Westdene Park’s open air open to all members

In less than seven months, after a fundraising campaign, the Westdene Park is now ready to visit.

Michael Deutschmann, manager of the Westdene Neighbourhood Association (WNA), says close to R300 000 was donated by more than 40 individuals and businesses to drive this project.

“When we started out, we removed more than 500 bags of refuse from the area,” he explains.

The area, which is part of the Mangaung Metro’s green zone, is being managed through the metro’s Adopt a Park policy by the Friends of Westdene Park.

After a huge clean-up, work started in April, with a fence of 700 m erected around the perimeter of the 10ha park.

Three access-control gates were also installed, and a parking area at one of the gates was paved thanks to the input of residents living close to the park.

“We are so thankful to everyone who pitched in to make this dream come true,” Deutschmann says.

“Whether it was with a donation of R500 or R20 000, each one helped.”

He said it was not only residents of Westdene who contributed, but also residents living on the edge of the park in Dan Pienaar, especially those in Commandant Senekal Street and Captain Dawson Street.

“The park is beneficial to residents who live in the vicinity of the park, as they can make use of this outdoor space,” Deutschmann says.

Importantly, the area being access-controlled creates a much safer area for people who reside around the park, as well as visitors the park. Deutchmann explains there used to be a few people living under the trees in the area, which created a security concern for residents and visitors.

Since the fence was completed, a walkway was cut from the gate and parking in General Hertzog Street, along the bottom of the koppie, to the fence in Albrecht Street. Deutschmann says they are working on more routes.

“Our long-term plan is to reintroduce tortoises, as well as antelope,” he says.

On Friday, 1 August, the Friends of Westdene invited residents to donate aloes to be planted on the corner of Brill and Albrecht Street. These were planted in the bitter Bloemfontein cold.

“We would love for more donations of aloes for our beautification project of this corner,” Deutschmann invites.

Membership for Friends of Westdene Park, which entails access to the park, costs R200 annually. Non-members pay R500. Other options are available. Call Deutschmann 071 348 5353.