Plover Park

A park for the community

Plover Park, directly behind Brightwater Commons in Charmaine Ave. President Ridge, lies on 5 000 square metres of land which was originally sold to the Town Council of Randburg with restrictive conditions of title to be used "for municipal purposes, as a park". The land, which is currently zoned as "public open space" is managed by the City of Joburg Property Company (JPC). JPC appointed Settlement Planning Services Inc (SETPLAN) to submit an application for the land to be rezoned to Residential 3 which would have allowed the construction of 20 dwelling units on the property.

SETPLAN submitted the application for rezoning in May 2005 on the basis that it was unused land and that the development of the property would support the government's urban densification programme. The residents of President Ridge, consisting of approximately 100 households, agreed unanimously that the proposed development would not be in the interests of the community. The housing density of the proposed development would have been seven times higher than the adjacent properties. The road traffic in the suburb would have increased by 40% resulting in further congestion on already overloaded roads. In March 2006 a letter of objection was submitted by the residents stating that the land should be retained for use as a park. The Planning Committee Hearing was eventually held on in February 2007. As a result of the residents' objections and much support and lobbying by DA councillor Alison van der Mollen the application was withdrawn.

The residents of President Ridge decided to consult with local businesses and other community organizations to request assistance in upgrading the park. Together with some funding from the residents, a lot of enthusiasm, sweat and hard labour, we held our first community planting day early in May 2008. Twenty-two indigenous trees were planted on that day. The owners of Pick and Pay at Brightwater Commons also kindly donated play equipment. City Parks have fenced the area and a second planting day was held in August. The park is currently being maintained and continues to be developed through the kind donations of many residents in the area. The management of Brighwater Commons have also donated plants and kindly offered to assist with maintenance of the park. City Parks has agreed to provide us with signs, dustbins, grass for the play area and ongoing support. As a result of articles in the press several people from the broader community have donated masses of indigenous plants, including agapanthas and aloes. A gardener has been employed by the residents and our intention is develop the land to protect the environment and bird life, whilst also providing a recreational area for everybody to appreciate, from young kids to nature lovers and to those who just want to appreciate a bit of open space away from the dense and busy modern city life.

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