COMMUNITY CHAMPION

SONYA JARDINE

KINGSLEY GARDEN PARK CHAMPION

Sonya (pictured with daughter Hope) is a self-employed project manager and a driving force behind the rejuvenation of Kingsley Gardens

Q: How long have you lived in Glenwood and what do you love about it?

After travelling and living abroad I returned to South Africa to Glenwood and have lived here for 20 years. Glenwood is an amazing community, as well as being well-resourced with excellent schools, hospitals and shops. Proximity to the beach and our own private Pigeon Valley forest is also a win.

Q: What you do as a Park Champion?

The real connection to Kingsley Gardens began after Covid and the riots. I was watching the neighbourhood I love in decline and was motivated to do something. I started clearing the park almost daily. When I started, I was removing 5-6 bags of litter a week. Now the UIP has built up steam, we’ve really seen a change. The park has been regenerated, and it is wonderful to see it being used by families, students and the rest of the community. This is the best the park has looked in all the time I’ve lived here and there are plans to make it even better. A new rockery has just been planted and there will be more indigenous plants going into the other two rockeries.

Q: What is your dream for Glenwood?

My dream for Glenwood is coming true in many ways - watching a neighbourhood be reclaimed; feeling safer and more connected to others in the community.

Q: What legacy would you like to leave?

Trees