The design of Gilfillan Park (also known as Jeppe Park) recently received a commendation for excellence in urban design at the Institute for Landscape Architects for South Africa (ILASA) awards 2019.
The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), worked together with Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) in the implementation of the project with construction of the park beginning in December 2017 and completed in June 2018.
The upgrade of the park emerged from a need for a functional, multi-purpose public space amidst the dense streets, office blocks, apartments and schools surrounding the site. The park was upgraded and re-designed in conjunction with local residents through extensive stakeholder engagement to ensure that the community gives inputs of the outcome of the final designs and co–produced to meet these outstanding local needs.
Not only does the park primarily cater for residents in Jeppestown and the surrounding areas of Maboneng and Troyeville, but also the schools in the area, church groups, amateur league soccer players, ngoma dance-off contenders and Jeppe Men’s Hostel social clubs.
DKPB were appointed main contractor, and landscape architects, kwpCREATE, were involved from the start of the project in order to interpret the community’s use of the space into a design that speaks to a functional park, whilst enhancing its previous uses, and to provide play areas for children of all ages.
The scope of works for the project included bulk earthworks for the formation of the platforms on site, landscaping (including tree planting), installation of the irrigation line, grass, street furniture, lighting, bollards and outdoor gym equipment, construction of two drinking fountains, concrete sports field and running track.
The upgrade of the park also played a role in job creation and skills development, with 30% of the contract value being awarded to SMME’s in Ward. The contractor employed five SMME’s and utilised 39 local labourers for the construction of the park.
Gilfillan Park is an important open space that also provides the community with a safe environment that promotes a healthy lifestyle. The park is designed to meet the needs of inner city residents who live in high-rise buildings, providing them with access to spaces for recreation and relaxation.
Gilfillan Park being commended at the ILASA awards shows how extensive stakeholder engagement can be used to create design solutions that benefit and improve the lives of residents in a positive manner.