Talks are under way to bring a new five-a-side football pitch to the Oudeskip Park in Hangberg.
City officials and residents had an on-site meeting recently on the Oudeskip land, located on Karbonkel Road.
Ward councillor Roberto Quintas confirmed the City’s area head for sports and recreation had given the green light to motivate for the budget to establish the football pitch.
Mr Quintas said he was concerned though that a future pitch could be targeted by land invaders.
“Naturally, there are concerns that the ongoing and thoughtless land invasions on public spaces which rob communities of developments such as these may pose a risk and threat to its future.”
A few families were relocated to the Oudeskip land after being displaced by a fire (“Fire victims occupy hall,” Sentinel News, November 15).
Jerry Thompson from Hangberg is a father of four boys, all of whom play football in and around Hout Bay, and he supports the plan for the pitch.
“We have so many unused spaces in Hangberg and around Hout Bay – perfect spaces that could be used for positive things like these. In other countries, especially First World countries, spaces like these do not stand open for very long,” he said.
Mr Thompson felt that using the space for sporting purposes “hit the nail on the head”.
“We all know sports bring people together, and this community needs something to bring us together. Too much in-fighting and the community fighting one another leads to the rest of the community missing out. This is a great idea, and I really hope it comes to life.”
Mr Quintas said he would like to see the pitch established within the next 12 to 18 months.
“I am hopeful that this will be the case and that the community will protect its future assets and help the City create neighbourhoods that we can all be proud of.”
