KLIPSPRUIT RIVER CORRIDOR FRAMEWORK

When this study, along with an earlier study of the Moroka Mofolo River system, was commissioned in the late 90’s by the Southern Metropolitan Local Council of Greater Johannesburg and funded by DANCED (Danish Environmental Development Agency), open space and parks in Soweto did not enjoy a high profile.  Their development was seldom placed on the political agenda and the community saw them as dangerous areas, better suited to squatting, dumping rubbish and grazing livestock.

The KLIPSPTUIT RIVER CORRIDOR framework studies focused on these issues, mainly from a planning and design perspective. They explored a set of themes relating to the analysis of the urban and natural environment, the integration of a park vision and a design strategy, the development of a new set of design principles and criteria, the focus on compatibility not conformity of design, the devolution of control to the community and the creation of user-friendly planning documentation. These ideals and aspirations were considered to be fundamental to the effective establishment of parks in township areas, if the original negative perception of parks was to be eliminated.  

The effect of this ‘pioneer’ work resulted in the framework reports becoming vital policy documents that facilitated the integration of parks into the urban landscape. They stated the guidelines required to provide much needed recreation resources for the community. In addition, they formed the basis for decision making, as it related to the delivery and management of open space in Soweto and provided the creative impetus that sparked the development of many of the post 1994 park projects.