Facelift for traffic park

Bobbi Sands

A CLEAN, safe area now awaits young visitors to the Walmer Kiddies' Traffic Park along Main Road in Walmer.
The park has recently been refurbished thanks to Bloomingdales landscaping and nursery, Atlas Security and the Traffic Training Centre department and overseen by ward 3 councillor, Dave Hayselden.
The park has been a place for many children to play with their cars and bikes in a place that resembles an everyday road.
The refurbishment was the brainchild of Atlas Security director Mike Burmeister and managing director Gary Schewitz who noticed the terrible state the park was in.
"This park is something generations of children used and it was sad to see how terrible it was,” said Burmeister.
He hoped it would once again become a place where parents can come along and watch their children have fun in a safe environment.
"We have patrol vehicles in the area that will also keep an eye on the safety of the users of the traffic park,” said Burmeister.
Schewitz said the park is now enclosed to ensure children also did not run the risk of running into the street.
"We came here as children. Before the refurbishment it was not safe, but thankfully more children can continue to enjoy the park,” said Schewitz.
In addition to the refurbishments Atlas Security has also donated 20 push-bikes for children to use.
Hayselden said he was very happy about the joint venture between private and public sectors.
"This park is teaching children at a young age the rules and dangers of roads. This could perhaps foster responsible driving in the future.”
Bloomingdales will maintain the gardens within the park throughout the year.
The traffic park is open from 7am to 7pm daily and is strictly only for children under seven.
To save electricity the miniature robots are on a timer. Visitors to the park need only to press the blue button to turn on the power.
"Many people have put loads of energy into this project which is open to all communities in the city,” said Hayselden.