Construction is underway on a R1,1 million combination (combi) court that will give children in Ward 56, which includes Maitland, Kensington and Factreton, a brand-new space to play.
The multi-purpose court will cater to a range of sports, including tennis, netball, basketball, volleyball, and futsal on a single, adaptable playing surface and is being erected at Factreton Primary School.
According to Ward 56 councillor Cheslyn Steenberg, the project is fully funded by the national Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
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The area has been plagued by gang violence, and Steenberg believes the project, set to be completed next month (April), will give the youth an opportunity to engage in positive activities. “I am excited about the project. It will give young people an alternative to violence and gangsterism. I hope they will make use of the facility because it will benefit them in the long term.”
The councillor expressed his gratitude to the department for selecting the ward as the site for the combi court.
Steenberg urged residents and partners to take ownership of the facility and safeguard it from vandalism.
“I call on partners to ensure this becomes an inclusive facility. I am appealing to the community to take ownership of the facility and to ensure it does not get vandalised.”
Paul McAvoy, Factreton Primary School principal, welcomed the initiative, saying that since its establishment over 60 years ago, the school has never had any sports facilities.
“When the Ward councillor approached us regarding this project, it was a no-brainer for us as a school because the school only has two concrete surfaces for sport activities, nothing else. We don’t have a school hall. So, this project is welcomed.”
He believes the facility will be beneficial not only for the school but for the entire community.
“This will make a huge difference in the lives of the learners and the broader community. The court will accommodate about six different types of sport activities. This will make a huge difference and allow learners to practise sport.”
Leslie Swartz, chair of the Kensington, Factreton Residents and Ratepayers Association (KFRRA), said the facility is much needed in the ward.
“Where youth engagement and safety are concerned the court provides a structured outlet for young people, helping to reduce idle time and anti-social behaviour, encouraging physical activity for all age groups and supports a healthy lifestyle.”
He said the development of the court will not only improve the physical space but create a space for residents to connect and build stronger community bonds.
“From a spatial point of view the court will definitely maximise and enhance public space. We trust that following its implementation that it will be well maintained to enhance neighbourhood morale and community identity.
“An additional benefit will be strengthening social cohesion as it creates a shared space where residents can meet and build relationships.”
Swartz feels there has not been enough community engagement regarding the project.
“It has been limited to communications via social media platforms. Also, the absence of a sports ward committee member did not allow the huge sporting community to provide input. There are four soccer clubs, one baseball and softball club, and one cricket club that has their footprint in Ward 56.”
Carolyn Inglis, fundraising and operations manager for Play Sport4Life, said any investment in sport infrastructure is a “positive step” for the community.
Play Sport4Life (PS4L) is a Maitland non-profit organisation that uses sport to promote healthier lifestyles and equip disadvantaged communities with life skills.
She said: “What is particularly encouraging about this project is that multiple sporting codes will have access to the space, which promotes inclusivity and collaboration between different sport.”
Inglis said the long-term success of the facility will depend on how actively it is used and supported by the community.
People’s Post made several attempts to contact the national department for more information but received no response at the time of print.
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