January 17, 2006
By Buhle Makabane
CITY Parks is updating its database, and intends looking at who uses its parks, how often and for what purposes. To help gather information and clarify rules and regulations, it is hosting a public meeting to discuss the use of parks, including booking procedures.
The meeting, at 10am on Friday, 20 January at Emmarentia Botanical Gardens, is to clarify when bookings are applicable and how bookings are done, says City Parks conservation manager Sydney Nkosi.
"Some residents want to find out whether taking a walk in the park warrants a booking," says Nkosi. "Obviously when a group of many people gather at any public space owned by the City, they are urged to contact City Parks so they can make bookings before they go on their outing."
Emmarentia Dam at the Botanical Gardens |
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The central bookings system helps the organisation know who is using the space and when is it being used, he says.
As the manager of Joburg's public open spaces, City Parks intends on regulating, monitoring and updating its database, looking at how the parks are used, how often and for what purposes. This will help with planning and development of urban open spaces.
Use of the parks differs according to the supporting infrastructure in a particular park, says spokesperson Jenny Moodley. In some parks there are braai stands, cycle trails and basketball courts.
Events held at Joburg parks include music festivals, corporate business exhibitions and flower and garden exhibitions, formal recreation and sporting events, company fun days, show jumping and informal events such as organised picnics, pony rides, school outings and weddings.
Often people use the space to fly kites, go bird watching, have picnics or take walks.
Parks in more upmarket suburbs offer a variety of recreational facilities and are big enough to accommodate all kinds of activities, while smaller and less equipped parks can only accommodate a limited number of activities.
Moodley says parks are generally considered to be spaces designed for recreation and "they bring a sense of tranquillity".
"If an event has more than 300 participants, the event organiser needs to obtain permission from the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department and the South African Police Service … This will supersede any permission given by Johannesburg City Parks," notes a City Parks statement.
Groups wanting to use a park for whatever reason can secure a booking through City Park's central reservations on 011 712 6664.
"Short- to medium-term bookings can be allowed, pending discussions and agreement with City Parks," it says.
City Parks is the agency responsible for the maintenance and development of Johannesburg's parks and cemeteries.
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