What was once an illegal dumping site in Father Gerald, Kagiso, is set to become a vibrant community space where children can play, young people can enjoy sport, and residents can embrace healthier lifestyles.
Mogale City’s Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation Division, in partnership with the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and The Sports Trust NGO, has officially broken ground on a new outdoor gym and multi-functional sports court that will transform the area into a modern recreational facility for the community.
The sod-turning ceremony was led by Executive Mayor Lucky Sele, Ward Councillor Nyakallo Segapela and The Sports Trust Project Coordinator, Brent Williams, marking the beginning of a project designed to make quality sport and recreation facilities more accessible to residents.
Funded by The Sports Trust, the development will include a multi-functional sports court catering for netball, tennis, volleyball and basketball. Residents will also benefit from an outdoor gym with an artificial-turf aerobics platform, while younger children will enjoy a dedicated play area featuring swings, seesaws and other playground equipment.
Beyond promoting sport and recreation, the facility represents an investment in community wellbeing. By providing free access to outdoor fitness equipment and safe public spaces, the development will encourage active lifestyles and create opportunities for families and young people to gather, exercise and participate in organised sport close to home.
Addressing residents during the ceremony, Mayor Sele called on the community to protect and take ownership of the facility once completed. He noted that transforming an illegal dumping site into a vibrant public space will not only enhance the surrounding neighbourhood but could also contribute to increasing nearby property values.
Mayor Sele further assured residents that local labour and procurement opportunities arising during construction will prioritise the surrounding community, ensuring the project also contributes to local economic development.
Construction is scheduled to commence on 13 July 2026, with completion anticipated by the end of August 2026.