Vusi Ndlovu

Vusi Ndlovu

There were smiles all round this week when the residents of Eldorado Park in Johannesburg south received a 2010 Soccer World Cup fan park.

Johannesburg City Parks launched the new fan park on Wednesday.

It is a concept in which recreation parks are turned into multipurpose centres with added facilities such as football grounds, big outdoor television screens and picnic areas.

Already there are 35 similar parks in Johannesburg.

Eldorado Park is one of the city's crime-ridden townships.

Residents began enjoying the park's amenities on the very first day after opening. Children played on swings, played football and splashed in the water features.

Prema Naidoo, as member of the mayoral committee for environment, told residents to look of the park.

"This is your park. Look after it.

Though we will provide security, it's still your responsibility to look after it."