Glenwood’s Meyrick Bennett Park gets a vibrant refresh

Nestled next to St Augustine’s Hospital, Glenwood’s Meyrick Bennett Park has undergone a comprehensive refresh, inviting residents back to enjoy its enhanced amenities. The Pigeon Valley Urban Improvement Precinct (UIP) team has meticulously maintained and revitalised the park, ensuring it remains a treasured oasis for the community.

Upon entering through the historical stone walls, originally constructed in 1890, visitors will notice an immediate transformation. The UIP has repaired broken benches and bin lids, and notably, the playground equipment has been completely refurbished. This commitment to repair over replacement speaks volumes about the UIP's dedication to sustainable maintenance while ensuring functionality for all visitors.

These thoughtful improvements create a clean and welcoming environment, which has re-energised community engagement. Every Friday evening, 20 Glenwoodians and their dogs gather for a lively meet-up, enjoying the park’s dappled shade provided by its majestic trees. This weekly tradition underscores the role Meyrick Bennett Park plays in fostering community connections.

Bev Campbell, the UIP Park Champion, reflects on the park’s significance: “Meyrick Bennett Park has always been a place where people come to unwind, connect, and feel part of something bigger than themselves. It has always been more than just a green space. It's the heart of our community. The new playground has brought fresh energy and joy, with families gathering once again to enjoy the outdoors together. Seeing people enjoying this space, having picnics in the park, and children laughing and having fun reminds me of why this shared space matters so deeply. It's proof of what's possible when we care for and invest in our neighbourhood.”

Adding to the park’s charm is a striking mural of the Black Sparrowhawk, created by renowned artist Giffy. This bird, a regular nester in the park’s forest cabbage tree, offers an artistic representation of the local wildlife that enhances the park's natural beauty.

In an effort to further engage the community, Craig Campbell, Bev's husband, has introduced tree identification tags, complete with QR codes that visitors can scan with their phones. These tags allow park-goers to deepen their connection with the environment as they explore the rich biodiversity of the area.

The Pigeon Valley UIP is keen to enlist the help of the community in maintaining the park’s condition. Residents are encouraged to be vigilant and report any maintenance issues they may notice while enjoying any of the nine parks within the precinct. The UIP office can be reached at 031 205 1269 or via email at richard@pigeonvalleyuip.durban.