FRIENDS OF THE FIELD AND STUDY – FOFS
Assoc. Incorporated under Sect. 21 – MOI
Reg. No. 2006/029242/08 – Tax No. 1039/169/84/0 – PBO No. 930025105
P.O. Box 65433, Benmore. 2010 – Cell. 082 784 1933
OUR MANDATE IS TO PROTECT, PRESERVE AND PROMOTE THE PARK
Thanks to Edward, Nathan and Friedman FOFS was registered in 2006 at the request of the community When the Council took over the finances of all Recreation Centres. At that time the Park area was part of the Recreation Centre , known as Field and Study Recreation Centre.
Our income is derived from donations and sponsorships.
Not long after the takeover of funds the Council separated the Rec. Centre and the park area with a palisade Fence and they became two entities. The park fell under Joburg City Parks and the Rec. Centre under Sport and Recreation. The guards and toilet cleaner were removed. We then took over managing the Park, liaising with Parks Depot 406 as far as cutting and maintaining the park and where necessary paying for the upkeep of the play equipment and other urgent repairs and maintenance.
We upgraded the toilets, brought in the dinosaur, had the braais rebuilt/repaired – Thank you Randburg Rotary – Got more benches – thank you Rand Merchant bank – more bins from parks and continually try to keep the Park looking good and improve it where we cn. We monitor it on a daily basis and welcome public input.
This 40 acres in the heart of Sandton needs all the protection we can give it as there are greedy eyes on it. It has a long history, being part of one of the first farms registered stretching from Craighall to Witkoppen.
SINCE 2006 we have:
Opposed an attempt by the Joburg Property Company to sell off the stable land for high density housing.
Opposed an attempt by JPC to completely change the ambience of the park by turning it into a formal Park. This meant bulldozing the indigenous grass up, having formal lawns, paved paths, fountains, statues, Flower beds, 3 dams etc etc. at enormous expense., to impress during the World Soccer.. Due to the Opposition the plan was withdrawn.
Opposed the construction of a helipad at Forest Farm.
Opposed Hurlingham PicknPay on environmental grounds ie. water runoff. After years in Tribunals and legal hearings two attenuation dams were included in he final plan. There is a long history to this store.
FOREST FARM
This facility on Nichol Highway to the West of the park over the river owns the entire Western Bank up to Italtile. It also borders the entire length of highway access from their entrance to Italtile.
A small 6hect. Portion opposite the Park was and still is part of the Park. Years ago the bridge across was smashed by a falling tree. This side has never been developed and remains unkempt and currently increasingly occupied by homeless despite countless ruthless raids by JMPD. Development of this 6 hect will be the only solution to move these people on. Covid has now brought plans to a halt.
We have negotiated with Forest Farm for years regarding the development of their land and ourselves and with the Jhb Property Co .It is vital for the park that we know what is being planned on their part of the W. Bank and opposite us.
First Plan was a precinct Plan to develop mixed used encompassing both East and West Banks – no stables then – that was mutually beneficial to all. We and JPC produced plans for them. They then decided against this.
Second Plan To expand and upgrade the existing facility down to the river on their side and to relocate Forest Town School on the other half. We were shown their plans and made suggestions. Almost year later this was abandoned.
Third plan At the beginning of 2012 we were told that they had now decided not to sell or develop their land but to Activate it. i.e lease the land for activities. They abandoned this idea as well to improve their existing facilities. The unkempt bank remained.
Fourth plan in 2019 we were told they were negotiating a mixed use development on it. 2020 Covid 19 has now brought things to a standstill
SECURITY
The West Bank, occupied by the homeless who, during the lockdown of the park, increased in numbers Is a problem for all of us and surrounding neighbourhoods. We have consulted the Councillor, the raids are a waste of ratepayer money. As long as the land is there, they will be. We give them clean water on condition they stay that side and out of the park. This live and let live deal is working and we, at the Park, do not have a problem. The threat of losing the water is enough.
With the help of the Parkmore Community Forum – PCA we negotiated a :no pay” Agreement with ADT to patrol the Park with emergency reaction for the safety of park users. 24/7 Security do the same now.
Thank you to both and the PCA.
After years of asking for guards we finally over the last two years have had our own guards for the Park which Has made a big difference and they are known to many Park users.
COVID 19 – 2020 we facilitated 9 food drops by generous people and organizations to feed those on the West Bank. The money for three was held by the PCA and a member and I did the last three. Food drops promised by Region 3 Head amounted to ONE so we had to do something ourselves.
OUTREACH PROGRAMME
Every year FOFS gives a Christmas lunch and gifts to an Old Age home in Olievenhoutbosch. It is looked Forward to by the residents all year.
WE NEED THE SUPPORT OF PARK USERS SPONSORS, COMPANIES AND CORPORATES TO HELP US KEEP THIS PRECIOUS GREEN SPACE INTACT FOR THE COMMUNITY.
COVID 19 HAS RADICALLY AFFECTED OUR FINANCES. WE NEED YOUR CONTRIBUTION IN CASH OR KIND URGENTLY.
FRIENDS OF THE FIELD AND STUDY
FIRST NATIONAL BANK
Account No. 6211768278
Branch : 25065500
ROSE JOHNSON – CHAIRMAN
082 784 1933
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