Problem park converted into community food garden for the homeless
9 February 2016
A community food garden has been established in Somerset West at the corner of Drama and New Streets with assistance from the City Parks department and Cllr Stuart Pringle (Ward 84).
The location was previously zoned as a community park but had become occupied by vagrants and was rendered undesirable due to illegal dumping activities. A decision was made to convert the property and Cllr Pringle was able to secure funding for a perimeter fence from local businesses in the area. City Parks officials provided the necessary materials for the establishment of the food garden, including seedlings and compost.
The Parks Department entered into an agreement with the community to ensure that the newly established food garden would be put to good use. As a result, the facility is now linked to the Helderberg Street People’s Centre and the Night Shelter. Local people living on the streets serve as volunteers to assist with maintaining and tending the vegetables that are being grown. The harvest will provide the homeless community with a secure food supply and will contribute to their skills development, and possible re-integration into society through this works programme.
The facility has greatly improved the area’s aesthetic with no more dumping taking place. The area is also safer for residents and is serving a valuable social purpose for the most vulnerable members of the community. Cllr Pringle thanked the Parks Department for supporting this initiative, and members of the community who contributed towards the erection of the fence.
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