Ballantyne Park Conservancy (BPC)
Public Meeting
Date: 1 November, 2014
Time: 9:30 am
Venue: Under the tree, Ballantyne Park Car Park
WELCOME:
Sean Quinlan, chairman of the BPC management Committee welcomed all and thanked everyone for giving up time on their Saturday. Apologies received from Councilors Mbanga and Markham, and Birdlife Zimbabwe
Welcome to Mr Godfrey Munetsi, representing
City of Harare (CoH) – Parks & Cemeteries. Other organisations represented are: Greystone Park Nature Reserve, Cosmos, The Zambezi Society, Environment Africa. INTRODUCTION
Since the last public meeting in April, 2014, the BPC signed an agreement with CoH on 1 August 2014, where BPC will rehabilitate, maintain and improve the park. Ballantyne Park includes Ballantyne Dam, and Blair and Staley Dams on the opposite side of Addington Road. We acknowledge with gratitude the hard work and commitment of the Trustees who worked towards securing the agreement with CoH, and the CoH representatives who share our vision for Ballantyne Park. S Quinlan introduced the members of the Management Committee, which was formed to carry out the activities on behalf of the Trust. LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE
Attendees were asked for a show of hands as to who had visited Ballantyne Park dams in their prime, and a number of hands were raised. S Quinlan stated that this will give an idea of what the BPC is looking to achieve. All the dams will be restored as closely as possible to their natural state, with an emphasis on birdlife and wetlands. We will develop educational opportunities which will include a proposed Interpretative Centre and the participation of local schools. To increase use of the park by all members of our community we will create social opportunities, such as open air events … Carols under the Stars and similar. Ballantyne Park: Will remain a ‘mixed use’ environment, with the hosting of events and social activities, and a blend of exotic and indigenous plants. The dams provide an important contribution to the city as a Wetland. Blair and Staley: Will be restored to an indigenous area, given its considerable contribution to the city as a Wetland. Bird Life Zimbabwe have expressed considerable interest in working with BPC in this area, through its Youth Program. We are aware of bird poaching in Blair, using snares and need to introduce measures to prevent this. ACHIEVEMENTS SINCE AUGUST:
We have prevented a repeat of the fire that burnt a large area of the park in 2013, killing everything that could not fly away. Undergrowth has been cleared in a number of unhealthy areas. Litter is being picked up regularly by a CoH employee, and collection of waste from the park and shopping centre bins is consistent. The clearing of waterways and storm water drains is ongoing. The Dept of Works has offered to assist with badly blocked storm water drains. The Committee is preparing a plan to guide future activiteis; quantifying the work to be undertaken and the required budget, and this is happening concurrent with the urgent operational activities. To this end we have a quantity surveyor carrying out a full survey of the Park. BALLANTYNE PARK SHOPPING CENTRE:
BPC has undertaken as part of our rehabilitation of the area, to upgrade the working environment of the market tenants and vendors, and by so doing improve their working conditions. The market tenants have requested access to water and working ablutions, more dustbins and shelter from the elements. BPC acknowledges the support received to date from Mr Hondo, owner of the Bottle Store, and Brett, manager of Spar. HOW YOU CAN HELP:
BPC needs input from residents as to what you want from the park. Attendees were referred to the BPC email address: [email protected]
Residents are requested to support the clean-up to be held on 6 November from 08:30 – 12:00. Miracle Missions/Clean & Green will be coordinating the clean-up and this represents an excellent opportunity to refresh the shopping centre and parks. Residents are requested to contribute manpower and equipment
BPC is also looking for archive material such as old photos, in either soft or originals on loan to BPC. The BPC will need funds to carry out its activities, for labour and restoration of facilities. A low cost bank account is being opened and account details will be circulated to residents and tenants of the shopping centre. SUMMARY:
BPC envisages a clean, green environment that all members of our community will enjoy spending time in. Similar projects around the world have always contributed to an increase in property values, as crime levels reduce and quality of life improves. The Ballantyne, Blair and Staley Dams will be at the epicentre of a healthy and well- functioning Ballantyne Park and surrounding areas.
