A place of fun and play time has turned into a drug hotspot and many parents now refuse to take or have their children play at the 7th Avenue Park in Lake Road.
Residents have begged authorities to step in and increase patrols in the area to deal with the dumping that takes place at the park and to make it safer – this after vagrant drug users started frequenting the park and openly shooting up drugs.
Resident Robert Adams calls the park a public drug abuse hotspot and pleaded with law enforcement agencies to assist the community to address the problem.
He said during the last three months the situation has deteriorated to an unacceptable level.
“These are two problems that need urgent attention, the public use of drugs by homeless drug addicts within the park’s boundaries and garbage build-up at one specific spot within the park’s boundaries.
“Many of the drug addicts are unemployed informal garbage collectors operating in the community and their drug of choice is heroin or ‘unga’,” said Mr Adams.
He said he recently confronted a duo who were laying next to his fence unconscious with needles sticking out from their arms, a sight he said is far too common.
“My property borders the park and I confront drug addicts as a rule: I have done so for years and I will continue to do so, even though it’s not the best course of action for me personally. I’ve contacted law enforcement to report this general matter… but there’s been no help.
“The current situation is unacceptable because the community activities at the park include créches who bring toddlers to the park for playtime, a netball club frequently practises at the park and fitness enthusiasts of all ages frequent the park on a daily basis. Are we telling ourselves that we can’t protect our kids? Are we telling ourselves that we can’t help these drug addicts?” asked Mr Adams.
Michelle Bosman, another resident who lives close to the park, said law enforcement visibility is non-existent at the park and the situation had become worse over the past few months.
Ms Bosman initially allowed her children to go to the park because it used to be safe but not anymore.
“The vagrants took over and the drugging started so they are not allowed to go anymore which is upsetting because a park is supposed to be a safe space made for children to enjoy but now that is no more. No one wants their children to see these ugly things.”
Southern Mail approached two homeless people who were at the park and asked about suspected drug use at the facility but the man said this wasn’t true. “We like to sit here and drink wine, yes, but no drugs, we don’t have money for drugs.”
The man said some of the vagrants contribute to the dumping but said they’ll do better and try not to “mess up” the park.
Mayoral committee member for community service and health, Patricia van der Ross, said the City’s recreation and parks department cleaned the 7th Avenue Park on a fortnightly basis, according to the standard cleaning schedule.
“Currently, the challenge is illegal dumping and as a result, residents are encouraged to take a stand against it and assist the City to protect our infrastructure by reporting any threat to community facilities to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre.
Law Enforcement spokesperson Wayne Dyason, said the department is aware of the issue and steps have been taken in the form of daily enforcement patrols and the issuing of fines by officers.
He said further steps can be taken against drug users and they can be arrested if caught.
“Residents are requested to continue to report incidents so that offenders can be caught in the act. Residents can also report these matters to the South African Police Service.”
Grassy Park police said residents should report drug use in public spaces by contacting the station on 021 700 3900 or 021 700 3902.
Contact the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.
