by Lee-Ann Pretorius and Nelisiwe Khusi
Over the past year, the Groen Sebenza interns were given the chance to pursue projects of their interest. Recognizing the lack of community-friendly recreational facilities in the Heidelberg community, Lee-Ann Pretorius saw an opportunity to create a green space that would benefit the youth and adults. Realizing that her vision required support, she reached out to the local businesses, authorities, and community members. Thus far, she has received material and donations from Agri land SSK, SPAR Heidelberg, Quin Crush Quarry, and Hessequa Local Municipality. Local community members have also offered support and assistance with setting up the park.
As the Heidelberg Community Park nears completion, its journey highlights not just the creation of a new recreational space but a profound narrative of community involvement and the unifying power of nature. The project, has become a clear example of how green spaces can bring people together, promoting a strong sense of belonging and shared purpose. Amongst the tangible contributions and labour, the Heidelberg Community Park project has also highlighted a deeper, intrinsic value: nature’s ability to unite people. The act of planting, nurturing, and creating spaces for recreation and reflection in the park has served as a reminder of our shared responsibility for the environment. The Spekboom fence and succulent gardens are not just aesthetic enhancements but symbols of resilience and sustainability, mirroring the community’s aspirations.
Yet, the individual acts of participation—from children helping to plant succulents to volunteers distributing crusher dust for the basketball court—truly define the essence of community involvement. The park stands as a beacon of community pride and environmental consciousness. It’s a place where generations can come together to play, learn, and relax, surrounded by the beauty of nature. The journey of Heidelberg Community Park is a testament to the idea that when we come together for a common purpose, particularly one that honours our natural environment, we create lasting legacies for communities to cherish.
The journey of Heidelberg Community Park
Leveraging wood chips and stacks obtained from the cleared Invasive Alien Plants by the GCBR, the park pathways were created with the assistance of the Hessequa Municipality, community members, and Aldin Geldenhuys, an architect student fulfilling his bursary requirements, volunteered 30 hours of his time for the project.
On the 16th of March 2024 Lee-Ann Pretorius together with a building team from the Heidelberg completed the installation of canopies and bins. Members passing by were very happy with the development and growth of the park. Lee-Ann is currently in the process of constructing a basketball court.
Update on Heidelberg Community Park: November 2024
While significant progress has been made, a few elements remain under development. Lee-Ann initially planned the basketball court as a dirt court, but the design has evolved with the support of the Hessequa Municipality’s Youth and Sport Development Directorate. Due to budget limitations, Lee-Ann reached out for additional support, completing a Public Participation Process involving residents and landowners. With this collaborative planning, the municipality has committed to building a high-quality court, using crusher dust donated by Quin Crush Quarry to ensure materials are not wasted.
On the 5th of October with the assistance of two community members and generous donation from the GCBR an additional 50 spekboom trees were planted at the park along the fence. Several landscaping tasks are also nearing completion, including the planting of trees and additional plants. Lee-Ann has plans to arrange for GCBR-MAB Youth to join for a final planting day, contributing to the park’s aesthetic and environmental value. The remainder of her budget is allocated for printing a park notice board, which will provide park information and guidelines for visitors.
Upon completion, the Heidelberg Community Park will not only serve as a recreational area but also as an educational tool. Plans to engage nearby schools aim to instill environmental responsibility in local youth, emphasizing the importance of preserving this green space. The hope is for the community to take ownership of the park, ensuring its care and maintenance for generations to come, cementing it as a cherished symbol of unity and environmental stewardship.
A heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the following businesses for their donations and continuous support in making this project a success.
- Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reverse (GCBR)
- Hessequa Municipality
- SSK Agriland
- Quin Crush Quarries
- Spar Heidelberg
- Riversdale Saagmeule
- Kairos Secondary School
- Community Volunteers
- Ward 5 Councillor and Assistant (Mr Abraham Daniels and Nathan Ruiters)