Bloemfontein is not the bland, barren city that outsiders often imagine it to be.
It has many gems, including parks and green spaces that are not always accessible to all.
Or rather, it is being taken over by vagrants bringing in all sorts of waste, setting up camp and making fires which create a huge hazard for the indigenous trees, grassland, and nearby houses. This imposition keeps residents living around certain green areas at a distance.
One of the oldest neighbourhoods, and these days a flourishing business area, is Westdene.
Bordering this neighbourhood is a beautiful green belt surrounding a hill that separates Westdene from Dan Pienaar. This area was also invaded by vagrants over the last few years but thanks to the support of the community, they are being moved out and the refuse surrounding their lairs, cleaned up.
The Westdene Neighbourhood Association (WNA) is planning to clean and secure the green area between Albrecht and General Hertzog Street, now named the Westdene Park Conservancy.
This has already started with a clean-up action on 25 October, and many similar actions planned.
Michael Deutschmann, general manager of the WNA, said plans to create a conservancy in this green area of around 10 ha are well underway.
“We have already signed an Adopt-a-Park Agreement with the Mangaung Metro and aim to protect the fauna and flora within the area,” Deutschmann said.
“Together with Manaung Parks and Recreation, our aim is to significantly improve the environmental and aesthetic quality of our parks and green belts in Westdene.”
Deutschmann says they now want to raise money to put up a fence of 659 m in the park bordering Albrecht Street. “The remaining area is enclosed by properties and complexes with their own perimeter fences.”
However, putting up a fence for almost 700 m will cost around R600 000. Deutschmann is hopeful that the community surrounding the new Westdene Park Conservation, business and community members will contribute to this steep target to uplift the whole area.
This will ensure that the park is fenced in and access be granted to members ensuringwith control over who enters the area. Doing this, it will also make it accessable to, while also welcoming anyone willing to contribute to the upkeep of the green space.
“The long term idea is to make the park a safe space for dog walkers, runners, hikers and mountain bikers, and sharing this special piece of Bloemfontein with more residents.”
