Church invasion at parks

Ward 90 councillor, Gordon Mackay has been flooded with emails from residents in his ward about the noise coming from George Lea Park. Residents living near the Field and Study Recreational Park and George Lea Park in Parkmore have voiced their grievances.

The residents, who do not wish to be named, have expressed in emails to Mackay that the church service should be held inside a building with the doors and windows closed and the volume kept down. One email read: “Noise is in contravention of the city’s bylaws and people should be made aware of this. We resent being blasted out by unwelcome noise.”

Brian Robertson, Parkmore Community Association executive manager said the association was busy with all relevant departments to manage the noise coming from George Lea Park.

Rose Johnson of Friends of the Field and Study said, “The church services at the Field and Study Recreational Park are increasing in number.”

Resident, Zakhele Socikwa added that parks in Atholl have also been experiencing similar activities. “We have a problem of all night churches in our parks in Atholl. “These include activities such as nudity, the slaughtering of animals, building of shacks at the park, dumping, all night singing and more,” said Socikwa.

Johnson said a joint raid initiative took place at the Field and Study Recreational Park involving police and Metro police. “But one raid has not solved the problem and more interaction is needed,” added Johnson.

Jenny Moodley, spokesperson for City Parks said the matter was being handled by the Johannesburg Property Company. “The church services take place at the George Lea Sports and Recreational Centre, not in the actual park,” she said.

Edna Mamonyane of the Metro police said she was unaware of complaints concerning churches in parks. “The complaint will have to be escalated to our bylaw section,” she said.

Have you witnessed worshipers having church sessions at your park? Tell us where and how their activities have affected you #churchesatparks