MIDVAAL - Local officials and community members gathered yesterday for the official opening of a new recreational park in the Kookrus area of Midvaal, marking a significant investment in community wellness infrastructure.

The ceremony began with introductions from Councillor Erline Jordaan, who expressed enthusiasm about the facility's potential impact on community health. "I am jumping with joy. I'm so excited for this community," she said. "We're going to have a lot more happy, healthy people in this park."

Midvaal's Executive Mayor emphasized that the park represents an important step toward promoting fitness and wellbeing. "Today is a special moment for Midvaal, but as well as the community of Kookrus," the Mayor stated. "We want to promote a fit, healthy lifestyle for our community and residents. So to have such a beautiful facility in the heart of the community really means a lot."

The project was funded through collaboration with the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, with additional support from Treasury officials who were present at the ceremony. The Mayor highlighted this inter-governmental cooperation as crucial to the project's success.

The new facility features playground equipment for children and fitness equipment for adults, designed to accommodate entire families. "We are creating an environment where your entire family can come to this park and enjoy themselves," the Mayor explained. Plans for continued development include adding shade trees, benches, and ablution facilities to enhance the park's functionality and appeal.

In his remarks, the Mayor also urged community members to protect and maintain the new amenities. "It's the obligation of the community to look after these facilities," he cautioned, noting past incidents where equipment and fencing had been removed or damaged in other municipal parks. The park was completed on schedule and within budget, with contributions from the municipality's engineering and parks departments, as well as contractors and subcontractors involved in construction.

Community representatives were invited to share their thoughts at the conclusion of the ceremony, with officials expressing their commitment to continued investment in local infrastructure.