Hangberg’s children can look forward to riding the swings again at the Oudeskip park after it reopened last week following a revamp.
Various donors came together to sponsor repairs at the previously run-down park, according to Debbie Soll, a volunteer at JunkStars, a Hout-Bay non-profit company that promotes awareness about protecting the environment and which helped with the revamp.
“The upgrade took about five weeks to complete and started in February. It cost close to R120 000.
“A member from Chic Mamas Do Care, Maggie MacFarlane, approached us for a suggestion on a community project which was focused on children and the Hangberg community.
“We were aware of the poor state of the parks in the Hangberg area and chose Oudeskip park, as it was quite run-down and most of the play equipment had either been broken, stolen or vandalised.”
Chic Mamas Do Care is a Wynberg charity shop that supports educational projects in poor communities. Its founder, Abigail Sherridan, said an investment firm had provided funds for the park’s play equipment.
The park now has a roundabout, a slide, a see-saw, jungle gyms and brightly coloured artwork.
“Chic Mamas provided the necessary funding for a private contractor to repair and upgrade the play equipment as well as sponsoring three painters to decorate the play area with additional games and activities for the children,” Ms Soll said.
Ward councillor Roberto Quintas said: “The upgrade is a public-private partnership between the City and Chic Mamas Do Care for which we are very grateful. Through my ward allocation, there will be additional resources added to the park in the future, and Chic Mamas have begun a beautification of the park. This wonderful donation by them of resources, time and love just goes to show what can be done when willing hearts and minds meet.”
