Darrenwood and Linden communities launch Emma Park fence project

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24-11-2025
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Northcliff Melville Times
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The community's persistence pays off as the construction of the park fence will transform a neglected green space into a cleaner, safer and more welcoming environment.

After months of planning, discussion and community fundraising, work on the long-awaited Emma Park fencing project has finally begun, a milestone which is jointly supported by the Linden Community Association and residents of Darrenwood Village.

The construction, led by Mustang Fencing, officially broke ground on November 3, marking the start of a two-week effort to finish on November 17.

Site manager Reuben Mononde confirmed that the company is installing a 20-panel section measuring 60m, including pedestrian and vehicle gates that will ultimately cover 440m around the park. For residents, this development represents far more than steel panels; it is the beginning of reclaiming a neglected public space that has been subjected to displaced individuals, littering and waste affecting the image of the park.

Nickey Janse van Rensburg from the Linden Community Association (LCA) said securing the park means a cleaner, safer and more welcoming environment. “Families will be able to relax and children can play freely,” she said. She added that the fence will also help protect their property investments by keeping the neighbourhood attractive and cared for.

She expressed gratitude for a generous resident who provided a loan that allowed construction to begin while fundraising continues. “We have already reached 61% of our R600 000 goal. Thank you to everyone who contributed thus far. Please keep spreading the word and encouraging your neighbours to get involved.”

She credited Darrenwood Village residents for driving the project, and thanked the Linden community and local businesses for standing behind the initiative. “The fence is the first step in adopting the park and ensuring residents value and use the space responsibly. We hope to collaborate with NGO’s to make the park more engaging for residents in both wards bordering the area.”

Darrenwood Village resident Patrick Millerd paid tribute to those who helped make it happen, from John Raubenheimer, who first sparked the idea, to the City Parks team led by Alton Rankin, and Beagle Watch Security, whose proactive involvement has been key. “We also thank Urban Inspector Maria Sasa for her coordination of clean-up efforts,” he added. Millerd confirmed that the fence will include four pedestrian gates, along with three vehicle gates for City Parks maintenance access. Pedestrian gates will be open from 6am to 6pm, managed by Beagle Watch.

Eleanor Hough, another Darrenwood Village resident, said she feels a deep sense of relief that the green space has been saved.

Hough and Millerd both thanked residents for their generosity, saying more than 50% of Darrenwood’s residents contributed to the effort. “Some gave less, some more, but nearly R300 000 has been raised,” Hough said. “Now, the wider community must continue donating to pay back the bridging loan. Fencing Emma Park benefits everyone; it even has a positive effect on property values.”

For this community, the new fence is more than a barrier; it is just one of the many examples of residents taking the responsibility to reclaim their parks while taking ownership of their shared spaces.