Memorial playground in Cambridge is refurbished and reopened

The Hector Pieterson memorial play area in Gwydir Street, Petersfield, has been refurbished and was reopened by the mayor on Saturday, December 3.

The play area was originally opened in June 1985 and dedicated to Hector Pieterson, a 13 year old black schoolboy who, in 1976, was shot in the back and killed by a white policeman during the Apartheid years in South Africa.

At the original opening, a plaque was erected by Cambridge City Council and the Cambridge Branch of the Anti-Apartheid Movement. The plaque has been renewed and remounted in pride of place in the play area.

Petersfield Councillor Ann Sinnott said the once-derelict play area was soon filled with smiling parents and scampering children.

She said: “It is a real pleasure to see the play area being enjoyed by children once again.

“It is fittingly poignant that, 40 years after his brutal murder, the child Hector Pieterson is once again memorialised. His name will not be forgotten.

Anna Smith, Executive Councillor for Streets and Open Spaces, said: “Providing high quality and stimulating play areas is a key priority for the Council. I hope that our youngest residents will enjoy playing there for many years to come.

“I am also delighted that we are continuing to remember Hector Pieterson who lost his life standing up for equality. He is a reminder to all of us that freedom should never be taken for granted.”