IT is important to create an environment where our children can enjoy themselves and play safely with their parents, family or guardians.
This is the philosophy of Ward 8 Councillor, Gustav Rautenbach, who recently used his ward’s allocated R1,4 million to start developing three open public spaces into playgrounds in the areas of Kamma Heights, Ben Kamma and Lorraine, respectively.
Rautenbach said after meeting with his ward committee and gathering input from residents, the existing playground in Meuse Avenue was chosen specifically because of its proximity to schools and preschools. According to him, the existing playground in Visagie Street, Ben Kamma, is not the safest place for children. “It is close to the Baakens Valley and the bushes are dense; that is why we decided to rather develop a new one in Fletcher Street, also in Ben Kamma.
“The plan is to make it a fully functioning playground with a lot of equipment, picnic benches, more trees, and fencing. Additional equipment will be added as part of phase two, if the budget allows. This includes a public gym.”
Rautenbach walked slowly through the park in Fletcher Street, which is currently still in phase one but already has a few bright blue slides and an orange jungle gym. “It is important that we give children the opportunity to be children, to live life to the fullest and to just be themselves.
“Playing helps to develop a child’s mind but it’s not just about that, it’s also about the coming together of a family,” he said as he slowly ran his hands over the equipment.
He said as part of phase one, a lot of work still needed to be done on the playground in Kamma Heights, which is a fairly new neighbourhood, but that plans are in place to develop it well.
The Meuse Avenue playground is already being used by the public, but will also be upgraded and more equipment added.
Rautenbach warned however, that further development and upgrading of the playgrounds depend solely on the budget allocated to the ward during each financial year.
“If we have the budget, we’ll move on to phase two and any other phases that might be necessary to complete the projects.” He also made an appeal to residents to take ownership of the playgrounds and to look after it well.
