With the school holidays and festive season approaching, the Mitchell Park playground in Durban could remain closed while the zoo has been revamped.

The Mitchell Park playground has been closed in March 2025 for repairs and equipment replacement. However, on Tuesday, empty spaces could be seen where the swings and some equipment once were.

In a municipal statement from March 2025, residents of Durban were informed that the restoration work would be undertaken in partnership with organisations, bringing together local businesses and community members. A contractor was appointed to revamp the park’s fencing, including the Mitchell Park Zoo.

The municipality has announced an exciting holiday programme for children aged eight to 13, scheduled for Thursday and Friday, from 8am to midday. 

The activities include:

• Guided walks.
• Show and tell sessions.
• Eco games.

The Mitchell Park Zoo was temporarily closed earlier this year for essential repairs after flood-related damage.

The municipality has stated that it is now fully restored and safe for visitors.

The park offers a relaxed, natural setting with amenities such as:

• Picnic lawns and braai areas.
• Wheelchair-friendly access.
• Facilities for parties and events.

The municipality stated: “We are evaluating a proposal by a local business to donate a playground, intended to replace the current playground at Mitchell Park. As with all major donations, the process must follow the appropriate protocols, including thorough vetting and final approval by the municipal full council.”

It advised that other parks are available for use during the upcoming school holidays, including the People’s Park at Moses Mabhida Stadium, Jameson Park, Botanical Gardens, and Gugu Dlamini Park.

A closer look at the playground revealed numerous defects that necessitated its closure. These are: 

• The wood on some of the playground equipment was rotten and broken off in places.
• The toilets next to the playground were unsuitable, and the building’s roof and gutters had trees growing out of them.
• One of the playground equipment platforms had come off its hinge and was slanting dangerously.

• The umbrella or shade covering the benches has worn out and needs to be replaced.
• All three roundabouts could not move. Two of them were submerged in sand.
• The wooden climbing platform or jungle gym is in a poor state. The wood is rotting and needs to be replaced. A few iron bars that kids hold on to as they cross over are missing.

zainul.dawood@inl.co.za

Source link