Thokoza Community Welcome the New Shilakwe Park

Community parks are not only for outdoor relaxation, but they also encourage social cohesion, while enhancing the ambience of the neighbourhood.

It is for this reason that the city commits to ensuring that all communities in the township and suburban areas have access to fully fledged recreational parks.

On Friday, 11 December, Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Environment Resources and Waste Management Services Ald Makhosazana Mabaso officially handed over the beautifully constructed Shilakwe Community Park to the residents of Thokoza.

The community will now have access to a  park with amenities such as a mini-soccer pitch with artificial grass (turf), gym and play equipment, tennis and netball court, picnic and braai facilities, pavement and grass all to the value of R4 million.

“Gone are the days of taking our children to suburban areas for fun activities, now we are bringing the park at their doorstep so that they can have as much fun as they want. I plead with everyone in this community to care for this park and not vandalise it,” said MMC Makhosazana Mabaso.

Children and adults all flocked onto the park to test drive the amenities immediately after the MMC had cut the ribbon to declare the park open.  Kids jumped onto the swings, while adults climbed on the gym equipment.

Songezo Mcali (36) resides next to Shilakwe Park and said the park could not have come at a better time with the festive season around the corner. He was more fascinated by the braai facility at the park.

 “We are happy that the park is finally open. We do not have any reason to travel far for entertainment; we will just have safe fun here on our door step,” said Mcali.