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The upgrading of the Oval Park and Bertha Solomon Recreation Centre received a certificate of recognition for excellence in urban design when the Institute for 2022 Landscape Architects for South Africa (ILASA) Awards took place last month.

The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) implemented this project as part of the Eastern Gateway Precinct master plan. It was designed by kwpCREATE, which was appointed as the urban designer of the project.

The ILASA Awards of Excellence acknowledge and promote excellence in landscape architecture. The Oval Park and Bertha Solomon Recreation Centre hold significant history in Johannesburg, and the recognition of the upgrade project at the awards was a fitting one.

The existing Bertha Solomon Recreational Centre is a heritage building and a community centre that was opened in 1949. The upgrade to this historic site in the heart of Johannesburg included a public green space providing sports and outdoor gym facilities, outdoor recreational space, play areas for children and community vegetable gardens.

Minor works to the three buildings to be electrical compliant and a new caretaker facility were also undertaken.

Co-producing solutions in partnership with local communities and stakeholders to meet local needs and mitigate challenges is a critical strategic focus of the JDA. The JDA engaged residents and other park users when in the process of designing a safe, accessible, inclusive, and sustainable public space through participatory tools and methods.

During the upgrades, the local SMMEs executed more than 40% of the scope and acquired experience, guidance from the independent construction mentor and training on business-related aspects.

The Oval Park and Bertha Solomon Recreation Centre will serve as a vibrant community recreation centre. With a positive effect on the lives of young people from the surrounding areas and is safe when using the park for physical activities like dance, martial arts, yoga, basketball and other sports.

The community centre will encourage healthy habits and sports and promote teamwork.

“This recognition at the 2022 ILASA Awards is yet another demonstration of how the JDA manages and facilitates developments efficiently and innovatively, intending to build an equitable, sustainable and resilient city,” said Mokgema Mongane, JDA’s Chief Executive Officer.

This is the second time a JDA project has been recognised at the ILASA Awards. The upgrade and re-design of Gilfillan Park into a functional park received a commendation for excellence in urban design at the 2019 awards ceremony.

Issued by the City of Johannesburg