The Chicago community now has a safe space for residents to enjoy recreational activities after the completion of phase 1 of Freedom Park in the DA-led Drakenstein Municipality.
Phase 1 of the 3-phase development was completed after four years of community and stakeholder engagement, co-design workshops and social cohesion programs. Freedom Park will include a running path, a new pitch, linked walking paths, places to sit, better lighting, a playground and shaded areas.
Phase 1 consisted of the development of a running track, the addition of benches, improved lighting and an upgraded children’s play area. The completion was celebrated on the 3rd of June 2018 when the Chicago community in the DA-led Drakenstein municipality came out in their numbers for a day of family fun.
A network of safe walking paths was added to support the Walking Bus – an initiative of mothers and members of the neighborhood watch joining together to get kids safely to and from school.
The completion of the first phase of this project shows the commitment of the DA-led Drakenstein municipality to improving the quality of life of the residents in Chicago and surrounds, as well as a commitment to participatory planning and development.
Executive Mayor Conrad Poole encouraged the community to take ownership of and to look after the Freedom Park as the second and third phase of the project is set to roll out.
Three years ago the DA-run municipality engaged with Violence Prevention through Urban Upgrading (VPUU) programme to develop a three-phase intervention in Chicago.
Executive Mayor Conrad Poole officially opens Chicago Freedom Park
