MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The Mossel Bay Advertiser asked the municipality for comment regarding Vintcent Park, after it was noted last week that truckloads of sand had been dumped in the park.

This grassy, open space with large, established trees above Park Primary School and skirted by Hofmeyr Street, 18th and 19th avenues, is highly valued by homeowners alongside it.

The Advertiser published an article about the changes at the park after some residents complained about the unsightly sand dumped over the grass and that trees were under threat.

Director, Community Services, at the Mossel Bay Municipality, Elize Nel, and the municipality's Legal Department, sent the Advertiser a statement on the park.

It read that possible construction on the site of the park was discussed during a public participation meeting in August 2020. 

More than 30 residents, mostly neighbouring the park, attended the meeting and the following was clear, according to the municipality:

• That Vintcent Park remains a park, that it not be rezoned and that no houses, townhouses or flats be built.
• That the rich history of the park should be protected.
• That a central improvement district (CID) or homeowners' association should be established within the community.
• That the CID or homeowners' association would interact with the municipality regarding the future for the park.

The municipal statement noted: "A residents' committee was selected at the meeting and this committee was appointed to meet with the municipality and negotiate the future of Vintcent Park.

"After various discussions and meetings, the process to establish a Special Rating Area (SRA) started and door-to-door consultation was done by this committee to inform the neighbouring residents of the SRA process and to obtain their approval for it."

The municipality noted that a majority approval for establishment of the SRA was obtained and council resolved to lease Vintcent Park to the non-profit company (NPC), which would be formed, representing the residents, after a public participation process.

A WhatsApp group exists, of which all residents neighbouring Vintcent Park are members. "On this group frequent and continuous updates were given on what is happening in the Park and what will be happening," the municipality noted.

"The next step is the establishment of a NPC and holding a meeting where a management committee will be elected."

The municipality answered these points:

The park appears not to be maintained in the state it was, seemingly contrary to the lease agreement.

"The purpose of the SRA is to upgrade, uplift and beautify the park to the benefit of the greater community and as such necessary maintenance and upgrades will be undertaken."

An indigenous tree has been cut (the top of the tree).

"Indigenous trees may be pruned but it is difficult to comment on a specific tree."

Another indigenous tree has been ring-barked, so it will die.

"This is unfortunate and a sad occurrence throughout the municipal area and instances such as this may be reported to the municipality."

Truckloads of sand and boulders have been dumped in the park, covering the grass.

"Permission was obtained from the municipality to use the sand to enhance the quality of the soil, which will enhance and promote grass growth."

The municipality noted: "The purpose of the NPC is for the residents within the SRA to participate in decision making with regard to the management and upgrading of the park and residents are encouraged to participate and attend meetings arranged for this purpose."

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