New pathway unveiled at Hampstead Park

The Friends of Harfield Parks (FOHP) unveiled their new pathway at Hampstead Park in Harfield Village, on Saturday.

The 200-metre path cost R250 000 from the ward budget to complete, according to ward councillor Katherine Christie.

“This pathway has brought more people into this park; it makes the park look like a real park, as opposed to just a patch of grass,” said FOHP chairperson Tina Gough.

The park would now be more accessible to people in wheelchairs, children on bikes, parents with baby strollers and dog walkers, she said.

“I was talking to an elderly gentleman using a wheelie walker, and he came to sit on the bench, and he told me that this is the first time he could actually come sit on the bench in the park as he could use his wheelie walker on the pathway.”

Ms Christie said the project had given employment opportunities to the “small contractor” who had won the tender for it.

Ivana Wentzel, who visited the park with her daughter, Lena, 2, said: “My daughter loves riding her bike on this pathway, and it will stop the mud from forming when it gets to the rainy season.”

FOHP members marked the occasion by planting two jasmine shrubs donated by the public in the park.

FOHP also does maintenance work at Surrey, Princes and Purley parks. Email harfield.parks@gmail.com if you want to get involved.