Who is in charge of the Bob van Reenen stadium in Krugersdorp? <?: prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> I've known for some time that there was a track cycling circuit in Krugersdorp, one of only two in Johannesburg (the other being Hector Norris Park close to Johannesburg CBD). Seeing as I recently moved to the west rand I thought I'd go check the place out. It's only about 15 minutes from home and perfect as a safe cycling environment. What I saw was a real shocker though. All the gates to the stadium were locked, but the place was easily accessed via the section of prefab wall that had been broken through. Once I got inside the real extent of neglect was saddening. The grass in the centre of the tartan athletics track was over grown. The surface of the athletics track itself seemed in good shape, though I didn't really check that. What I did check was the surface of the cycling track. What i noticed during my walk around the cycling track is that there were weeds growing out of most of the cracks and joins of the track surface. Not that there were many. A few potholes have formed at some of the joins, but again, not very many of those. I'd say the track surface was in 80% shape. But then anything metal (like the railings that are supposed to rim the circuit) have been removed. The main stands are in a state of disrepair with the main commentating cubicle having had it's ceiling ripped out and some of the glass panes broken. I just don't understand that our government can justify spending millions on new soccer stadiums while existing infrastructure is being left to decay. The direct responsibility is probably that of the Mogale City council (I Guess). So I'll be contacting them to find out what is going on. I realise that the upkeep on such facilities do not come cheap since you have to at least pay for someone to keep the grass mowed and weeded and the complex secure. But surely it's cheaper to do that than to let the place fall into a state of disrepair and then having to save it from the brink. That is if they even care enough for the place to be saved. The answer probably lies in privatization, but I honestly don?t see that happening in the current economic climate. Maybe if a bunch of the cycling clubs in the area could somehow get together on this that could work. Think Kyalami, pay per entry for a safe cycling environment. I?d say that efforts should be made to get track cycling back into the lime light, but such efforts have been made and suffer the same problems as mentioned above. It?s a shame really. Some of the ?more experienced ? members my cycling family are ex-professional track cyclists one of which still has an unbeaten SA record. Sitting down and hearing them talking about their experiences is enough to inspire just about anyone that has ever swung a leg over a bicycle and even some who never have. I?d like to believe we can save this place and make it great again, I just wish I knew of a way.
