Project type: Regional Park
Client: Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality
Project value: R21,000,000
Project description: The area referred to as Siluma, was almost completely undeveloped and township layouts were still on the drawing board. Site assessment revealed a natural area adjacent to an old farm dam. In terms of town planning, this site was zoned as a Public Resort, allowing for development of more or less anything.
The original Masterplan was approved in 1997, covering both the northern “Regional” node as well as a southern, more localised node, connected to a wetland. The southern node was relatively undisturbed and beautiful. The northern node, however, was littered with allot of material by locals, who had easy access to the site.
An initial funding of R1.2 million was allocated by the then Greater Germiston Council, to clean up the park, erect fencing and develop initial irrigation infrastructure as well as, a play area. Several additional phases followed, with relatively small budgets. Picnic and park furniture were added and a large feature wall was constructed to double up as a basket ball area and a backdrop to a “stage” in a basic amphitheatre. Ablutions were subsequently added. In 2007 the park was officially opened and renamed Kwenele Park. For this event, a new play area was developed, in addition to a “lapa” building which could be rented for private functions.
In 2008, the southern node was developed and tenders were prepared for both an Environmental Centre as well as completion of the northern node.
Today, Kwenele Park is surrounded by a developed township and frequently used for various functions by the local community.