Settlers Park — a small natural haven in Gqeberha’s Central area which residents could visit to escape the bustle of the inner city.
The once-pristine park is now, however, a far-cry from the green gem it used to be.
Not only is it unsafe to visit unless in a group setting, vandals have moved in and the park is in an unkempt state.
Our sister publication Weekend Post reported that used and unused condoms, broken bottles, crumbling infrastructure and countless other problems, including a raw sewage spillage, plague the park.
Indigenous flora, grassed areas and rock pools with stepping stones have been ravaged, while a flower display house has been stripped brick by brick.
A maquette of the 1820 Settlers statue is nowhere in sight, leaving many wondering where it is.
It is a sorry state of affairs, and if criminals continue to be left to their own devices they could decimate what is left of this beautiful park.
Settlers Park covers 76ha on the banks of the Baakens River and contains a unique diversity of plant life and about 120 species of birds.
Small animals such as grysbok and mongoose have been known to frolic in the area, with leguaan and terrapin found by the river.
These must be protected at all costs.
Though parks may not be considered a priority in the litany of things that need to be fixed in the city, green spaces are important for the mental and physical health of residents in urban areas.
Studies have shown these oases in urban areas mitigate the effects of pollution and also promote holistic living in communities.
It is the small things, such as ensuring the upkeep of parks, that go a long way towards fixing cities.
Our hope is that the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality will stop the rot from fully setting in and begin to restore Settlers Park to a place that can once again be enjoyed by all.
HeraldLIVE