Residents in the area banded together under the ‘Friends of Roome Park’ banner to take their community park to a whole new level – a true example of taking ownership of community assets.
The City of Cape Town celebrated the efforts of Bishop Lavis residents this weekend in transforming the Roome Community Park in the area.
The park boasts more than the average community park with children’s play equipment, well maintained open lawn areas, a beautiful garden complemented with lawn sculptures and shaded seating areas.
The ‘Friends of Roome Park’ led the transformation by taking the initiative and collecting funds to improve and beautify the park.
Among the improvements is the installation of a Pergola Canopy, paving, planting of flowering garden pods and trees, creative lawn landscaping and art.
The outdoor furniture at the Pergola Canopy was made from recycled wooden pallets.
The upgrade initiative even included the addition of a borehole.
‘We talk often about communities taking ownership of their assets. What’s happened at Roome Park is exactly that, and we thank the residents who have invested time and effort to really make their mark on this facility.
‘Not only do we have a park that offers far more than the average facility, but we also have residents who will continue to guard their investment and make sure that Roome Park remains something that everyone in the area can be proud of. This is a wonderful example of what can happen when everyone gets involved and works towards a specific goal,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
The Roome Park community has also appointed a dedicated caretaker who maintains the flower beds and creates artistic lawn sculptures. The Recreation and Parks Department works hand-in-hand with him to ensure that play equipment is repaired, paint and cleaning supplies are provided to keep the equipment colourful and a mowing team regularly tends to the lawn. There are also efforts being made to formally appoint the caretaker as part of the Park Buddies programme.
‘Quality facilities in communities add so much value to the lives of residents, but also help boost the aesthetics of an area and even help reduce the risk of anti-social behaviour. The developments at Roome Park are far more impactful than just being a beautiful space. It speaks to a sense of social cohesion and community pride, and what is possible when everyone works together. I would like to thank each person who has made a contribution, and who continues to contribute, no matter how big or small, for their effort and I’m hoping that this initiative will spill over into other communities,’ said Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
For more information on the park please visit: http://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/See-all-city-facilities/Our-recreational-facilities/District%20parks/Roome%20Park