YOLANDE DU PREEZ
The first Eyethu Skate Park public meeting will be held at Suikerbossie on Wednesday August 31, at 7pm.
Rotary Club of Hout Bay past president Christine Paterson said the meeting would inform the public about the skatepark’s location, plans, construction and maintenance as well as funding and development programmes.
She said an increase in the number of underprivileged children riding makeshift skateboards in and around Hout Bay’s main roads had sparked the idea for the park, which it is hoped will help to bring the community together.
The deal was sealed in February this year after the final documents were signed with the City’s sport, recreation and amenities department (“Setting a date to skate,” Sentinel March 4).
The 1 600 square metre skatepark will be named Eyethu, an Nguni word meaning “ours”.
But to get the wheels rolling, the Rotary Club of Hout Bay needs the community’s help to raise funds.
“There is a massive demand for spaces for youth development and recreation in Cape Town and with the number of young people in Hout Bay exceeding 5 000 there is a serious lack of safe public spaces,” said Ms Paterson.
Ward councillor Rob Quintas said although the project was in its early stages and some public participation was still needed, the park was potentially a great idea as children and some adults were using public roads for skateboarding which was dangerous.
“I think the idea of an integrated space where residents from Hangberg, Imizamo Yethu and the Valley can come together and participate in activities is fantastic and will create social cohesion,” he said.
For details about the public meeting and to book, email info@eyethuskatepark.co.org
