PARK UPGRADE PROPOSAL SYCAMORE AVENUE PARK, RIVERCLUB PRESENTED TO JOHANNESBURG CITY PARKS MANCO ON BEHALF OF THE RIVERCLUB RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION (VA) 12 SEPTEMBER 2014

Action driven by a community-based organisation (Riverclub Residents Association) Improve the available public spaces in their neighbourhood Develop the park in an ecological and sustainable manner Abide by local standards for park design A vision for Riverclub Park indigenous habitat for local wildlife safe recreational and educational spaces community supported agriculture (CSA) Highly motivated community – Bryanston Clean Spruit Initiative, etc. RIVERCLUB PARK – SYCAMORE AVENUE

SITE: RIVERCLUB PARK – SYCAMORE AVENUE SITE CONTEXT The park on Sycamore Avenue is bordered by Bryanston Drive to the north, Ballyclare Drive to the south, Braamfontein Spruit to the west and Coleraine Drive to the east.

CURRENT AND PROPOSED PARK USAGE Currently, this park is seriously underutilised Often empty and unused, overflowing dustbins and has become home to vagrants Plays little role in the creation of a wholesome community Purpose of the park upgrade would be to improve and add to existing facilities for local residents and all who would like to make use of the park regularly Upgrades for long-term sustainability and to create a community gathering point for social interaction This proposal is to give action to the municipal bylaws: "… to ensure that the way in which the council controls, manages and develops public spaces is environmentally sustainable, and is in the long-term interests of the whole community of Johannesburg, including future generations.”

SYCAMORE AVENUE PARK – SITE PICTURES

POLICY CONSIDERATIONS – PUBLIC SPACE JOHANNESBURG METROPOLITAN OPEN SPACE SYSTEM (JMOSS, 2002) “The recreational, educational, social and other opportunities which public open spaces offer must be protected and enhanced to enable local communities, and the public to improve and enrich their quality of life.” In line with the policy of the City of Joburg: “… the process by which public, open spaces are established is essentially community-driven, inclusive, science-based and innovative.” All public spaces should provide opportunities for: environmental education recreation ecological productivity economic viability resource conservation

POLICY CONSIDERATIONS – PUBLIC SPACE JOHANNESBURG PUBLIC SPACES CHARTER “Public open spaces must be designed and managed in an environmentally sustainable manner” In line with sustainable cities principles and specific Department of Environment and City Parks objectives, all new and refurbished public open spaces will be designed, developed and upgraded in a manner that is: Compliant with ecological best practice, and pays attention to: Storm water attenuation Runoff management Heat island effect mitigation Soil health and fertility Increasing biodiversity Creation of wildlife habitats

CURRENT CONCERNS AT RIVERCLUB PARK Quite unsafe to visit for young mothers, children, domestic workers, child minders and elderly folk Park has become home to vagrants – who make up temporary shelters in the park and set and light fires to cook on and warm themselves in winter Oftentimes, drunk and/or consuming alcohol in public Available refuse bins have been badly damaged Refuse bins are seldom emptied, cleaned and made usable Signage in the park is old, outdated and faded We need to collectively address all of the above issues for the park to become a public, open space that the community concerned can be proud of.

CURRENT CONCERNS AT RIVERCLUB PARK DAMAGED REFUSE BINS FIRES AND VAGRANCY IN THE PARK FADED CITY PARKS SIGNAGE

PROPOSED PARK UPGRADES AND CHANGES Reduce vagrancy in the park Neighbourhood security (ADT) regularly remove vagrants Encourage active participation and daily use of park Installation of new trash receptacles Replace existing damaged bins Add more bins around the park area Demarcate area for refuse collection Maintain general cleanliness and upkeep of park Installation of playground equipment For recreation and play by young neighbourhood kids Designated area for jungle gym equipment Priority is installation of playground equipment to City Parks design and construction standards Bicycle track and outdoor gym Move towards engaging active and healthy citizens “Go Jozi” campaign support Proposed bicycle/walking track surrounds park area Possibly include outdoor gym equipment

LANDSCAPE SITE DESIGN – PROPOSED PLAN SYCAMORE AVENUE PARK – SITE PLAN

LANDSCAPE SITE DESIGN – PROPOSED PLAN SYCAMORE AVENUE PARK – 3D PERSPECTIVE (LOOKING WEST)

LANDSCAPE SITE DESIGN – PROPOSED PLAN SYCAMORE AVENUE PARK – 3D PERSPECTIVE (LOOKING EAST)

LANDSCAPE SITE DESIGN – PROPOSED PLAN SYCAMORE AVENUE PARK – 3D PERSPECTIVE (LOOKING NORTH)

LANDSCAPE SITE DESIGN – PROPOSED PLAN SYCAMORE AVENUE PARK – 3D PERSPECTIVE (LOOKING SOUTH)

Next steps How do we finalise approval for the proposed plan? What elements of the proposal fall under City Parks mandate and how do we get commitment that these will be addressed? What are the parameters that we need to work within to install additional facilities such as playground and cycle track? Are there restrictions or guidelines we need to be aware of in securing corporate sponsorship for the initiative? Is there any funding available from City Parks to put towards the additional facilities? When can we expect the next steps to be completed?