The Regional Socio-Economic Projects (RSEP) Park, or Library Park as it is referred to by Cloetesville residents, will be unveiled to the public once a date has been finalised, said Stuart Grobbelaar, communications manager at Stellenbosch Municipality. Photo Credit: Twitter/ Stellenbosch Municipality.
Stellenbosch Municipality has partnered with an inter-governmental programme to upgrade a recreational park in Cloetesville. The project is near completion. The Regional Socio-Economic Projects (RSEP) programme, run by the Western Cape Provincial Government, is helping to fund this project.
The RSEP Park, or Library Park, was converted into a safe recreational space that connects the clinic, community hall and library, said Stuart Grobbelaar, communications manager at Stellenbosch Municipality.
“The project commenced after Ward Councillor for Ward 16, Councillor [Elsabe] Vermeulen, requested our Parks Section to consider an upgraded and safe recreational space for young people of her ward,” Grobbelaar said.
The project, which commenced in 2019, was funded by the municipality and the RSEP programme. A grant of R400 000 granted was made available by the RSEP programme, Grobbelaar said.
According to Grobbelaar, the park will be officially unveiled and opened within the next few weeks.
Infographic: Megan Muller
Positive reactions from the community
Elsabe Vermeulen, Democratic Alliance (DA) member and councillor who had requested for the park upgrade, said that she welcomes this development within the community.
The park is an asset to the community because it not only caters to the young, but also to the elderly and disabled. In addition, she believes that it will keep people physically and mentally active, said Vermeulen.
“The park will help uplift the youth and keep them away from gangsterism [and] drugs and [will] allow them a chance at a better life,” said Vermeulen.
The park was transformed into a safe recreational space that will be beneficial to the community. Photo Credit: Twitter/ Stellenbosch Municipality.
According to Stellenbosch University student and Cloetesville resident, Elske Hoogbaard, this new space will be beneficial to the community.
The park will give people the opportunity to keep fit as not many people can afford to go to a gym, she said.
The park will also give children a safe and secure place to play while allowing the elderly the chance to get out and enjoy the space, Hoogbaard said.
“I hope that this project will unite the community,” said Hoogbaard.
