Letters | A plea to save Wiley Park

I was delighted to read the “A Heart for PMB — Embrace our City” campaign inThe Witnesson February 14, and in particular, the tree campaign of the Keep Pietermaritzburg Clean Action Group (KPCA). Please could KPCA embrace Wiley Park? While the municipality has virtually abandoned its duty in respect of its citizens’ parks and gardens, the still lovely Wiley Park receives sporadic grass cutting by a dedicated tractor driver (leaving heaps of cut grass killing grass underneath (no raking available).

The small Friends of Wiley Park group partly supports a private gardener to do what he can with inadequate equipment. Residents also, in desperation, cut grass, pull out weeds, cut through fallen branches of the ancient (beautiful) trees. (I recently hacked down a bugweed).

The beautiful “cathedrals” of trees along the river path remain, but the path is a nightmare of rampant vegetation and fallen branches. Heavy equipment is needed. I know KPCA’s agenda is full, but my plea to save this once beautiful park for the people of this city is sincere.