Children of all ages are to benefit from a new playground currently under construction in Maynardville Park.

The new facility, which has cost R805 000 to date, is being constructed in phases. Construction on phase one began in February 2009, and the new 2000m² site, which is situated next to the old play area, now features underground services, an irrigation system, a new ‘adventure’ timber play structure and refurbished equipment from the old playground.

Phase two will include the installation of a swing and roundabout for disabled children valued in excess of R50 000. A mosaic art work will be created by participating high schools and additional trees will be planted.

The Maynardville Park Steering Committee, which comprises various City Parks managers, representatives of external community organisations, Wynberg’s ward councillor, and a member of the Mayoral Committee, is responsible for overseeing the upgrade. The Committee is investigating future purchases of a water feature , sculptures, new benches and tables for the park.

Plans are also afoot to convert Maynard Cottage into a restaurant. The cottage is located at the corner of the Wolfe and Piers Road entrance. The Maynardville Park Action Committee (the implementation arm of the Steering Committee) is also in the process of obtaining new refuse bins, dog bins and signage.

Funding for the upgrade has been obtained from ward allocations, City Parks’ capital budget and donor funding (which is managed by means of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Cape Town Heritage Trust).

The playground will open on 21 August 2009 to coincide with Arbor Day. Councillor Gerhard Ras, Mayco member for Community Services, will open the facility.

The project forms part of a wider City initiative to upgrade several of Cape Town’s district parks, which among others including Durbanville Rose Garden, Khayelitsha Wetlands Park, the Company’s Garden and Westridge Park. The Jack Muller/Danie Uys Park in Bellville and the Rose Garden in Durbanville are also in line for major upgrading. Development and management plans for these two parks are currently being drawn up, but have not yet been finalised. It is anticipated that provision will be made for children and disabled people.

City Parks, the department responsible for the Maynardville facility, develops and manages most of Cape Town’s public open spaces, including its community parks, greenbelts,undeveloped public opem spaces, cemeteries, informal sports fields and landscaped road amenities.