| Refreshed Rose Park opens for play |
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| Thursday, 20 September 2007 | |
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City parks has turned Lenasia's Rose Park into an attractive green space, and residents have been urged to help keep it clean and safe. 
Local youngsters welcome the opening of the park
ONCE a dusty and barren open space, Lenasia's Rose Park has undergone a massive facelift, thanks to Johannesburg City Parks. It now has lighting, benches, bins and palisade fencing. A pathway also leads to the fountain, flowerbeds and play areas. According to Prema Naidoo, the member of the mayoral committee for environment, the refurbishment formed part of the City's ambitious plan to reverse greening disparities and meet the growing demands for parks and playgrounds. Speaking to hundreds of learners gathered at Rose Park's official opening on Wednesday, 19 September, Naidoo said, "As city planners, we are mindful of the fact that parks are an essential feature in the provision of basic services to the community." He called on the area's residents to take care of the venue, and urged them to protect their open spaces from turning into crime spots. "Rose Park will only shine if we work as a collective." Citizens could report littering and suspicious activities through Joburg Connect, on 011 375 5555, he added. "You are our eyes and ears." Metro police would also work closely with City Parks to ensure users' safety. Shahida Kazi, the Ward Nine councillor, said parks gave trees a place to thrive. Trees beautified the landscape and absorbed pollutants, thus offsetting global warming. 
The City is meeting demands for parks and playgrounds, says Preema Naidoo, the member of mayoral committee for environment
She also urged people not to litter, vandalise parks, damage trees and destroy plants. "We need to stop dumping our garden rubble in the park," she said, pleading with residents to value the park as an asset.
Naidoo, Kazi and Isu Lallo Chiba, a former member of parliament
and community activist, cut the ribbon, officially opening the park for
play. And residents took the opportunity to relax with their picnic
baskets while watching the cricket - Proteas beat New Zealand - on two
big screens set up for the launch.
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