Marked with its evergreen grass, playground elements, outdoor fitness equipment and amenities, the newly launched Litchi Park is ready to become another recreational facility for children in Soweto to enjoy.
Litchi Street Park was launched by Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) on 22 April 2022. This initiative from JCPZ is aimed at bringing livable and safe parks to the community of Soweto and open a space for a greener environment for the present community and future generations.
Located in Protea Glen, north of Lenasia and west of Soweto, Litchi Street Park boasts five small green linksfield swing bins made from mild steel, eight benches designed from anchorage sand and gravel, as well as, five green eco picnic tables accompanied by four-seater benches and about 21 trees spread out around the park.
“The City is committed to upholding and maintaining Johannesburg’s “green crown” and it will continue to manage the parks portfolio in a manner ensuring Johannesburg remains one of the greenest cities in the world,” said the City’s Executive Mayor, Cllr Mpho Phalatse.
The City’s new administration has committed to rejuvenating the inner city and growing the city’s economy and it is imperative that the inner city attracts visitors and investors. The rejuvenation of parks is one of the ways this goal will be realised.
The JCPZ worked together with various stakeholders in the ceremonial tree planting which included the representative from the ward councilor’s office, Bandile Mthembu, former ward councilor, Elliot Sithole, JCPZ executives, deputy principal from Acudeo College, Ms. Sehlomeng Mokwena and community members.
“We are very happy with what the City has done for us, more importantly for our children who can now enjoy the park’s facilities. I also saw the gym section which will play a vital role in our physical health and make sure that we don’t experience issues like obesity,” said one of the residents from Protea Glen Ext 28, Margret Ncube.
Children can enjoy using a green and yellow seesaw, a blue, green and purple steel swing, a yellow slide with green ladders, outdoor gym facilities and a multipurpose court, all available at the new park.
The park is mostly paved with brownish bricks, the cement paver terracotta normally used to pave driveways and walkways. Each playground element consists of either a green or maroon artificial mat rubber underneath which assists in avoiding serious cases of injuries during the use of the facilities.
The park is smoothly edged by soil in wider areas and grass. Litchi Street Park is just opposite Acudeo College, they are separated by a fence which makes it easier for school pupils to enjoy the park’s benefits.
“What the City has done for Protea Glen residents’ warms my heart. I only have one request for the community to protect, take care and to maintain this facility for other generations to use and enjoy it. Let this park not be for smoking and the use of illegal substances but for children and families to enjoy what has been given to us,” asserted a community member from Protea Glen Ext 28, Mogadi Tladi.
The City declares that the JCPZ and City of Johannesburg accept no responsibility or liability for any injuries or loss of whatever nature during the use of the park. The park serves as a form of enjoyment and children should always be under the watchful eye of a parent or guardian supervision.
Written by Gontse ‘GeE’ Hlophe
29/04/2022