Safe, smart parks adding value to communities
THE creation of safe play and sport spaces enjoyed by the whole family has become a priority for the City’s recreation and parks department.
The city parks designers were using creative and sustainable principles in their designs for smart parks in areas such as Gugulethu, Delft and Atlantis, JP Smith, mayoral committee member for safety and security; and social services, said.
These spaces were situated where people can see the activities because the “more eyes that are watching, the less crime” and the less space for unhealthy and criminal behaviour to flourish, he said.
The focus was on providing children with access to safe and quality recreational facilities in which they can learn and play.
Community facilities play a crucial role in bringing together families, and providing an alternative to social ills that plague many communities.
“The roll-out of synthetic pitches in communities for soccer and hockey is one of the department’s key investments,” Smith said.
“These pitches have provided an innovative and sustainable solution that has enabled the City to better meet the ever-growing needs of the sporting community.
“This is part of our efforts to provide our children, particularly those who show a talent for sport, the spaces on which they can hone their talent.”
At Valhalla Park, an outdoor gym was built facing the recreation hub so that while the children played, the parents could exercise.
The facilities are also designed for the department’s programmes including walks, beach activities, fitness and aerobics.
Although the City encouraged residents of all ages to participate in their programmes, the spaces were also available to be used by community fitness clubs and walking clubs.
“City Parks is conscious of the immense value parks have in neighbourhoods where residents have no or very little garden space.
“This is certainly the case in the areas where smart parks will be developed,” Smith said.
“Smart Parks have been designed to inspire improved community-led park development for areas of highest need.
“It centres on getting the basics right and providing high quality, attractive park facilities that are both structurally sound and creatively designed.”