Bridgevale Park pillars get mural makeover

THE entrance to Bridgevale Park and Nature Reserve has been given a visual transformation with two stunning murals in a collaborative project between conservation group Enviro Fixers Durban North and artist Giffy Duminy.

The project has seen the pillars of the M12 bridge transformed into a kaleidoscopic mural featuring an indigenous plant, Leonotis leonurus, also known as lion’s tail found in Bridgevale Park as well as collared sunbirds also spotted in the park.

In recent years, Enviro Fixers has transformed the space into an indigenous oasis with the addition of owl boxes, bug hotels and a swing donated by the community of Durban North.

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Helen Koch of the group said the murals had been a long-term project for the park.

“As a group, we have really put our footprint on this space through collaborations with community members, the eThekwini Parks Department and the Durban North Conservancy. A few years ago, this green corridor was overgrown, full of alien invasive species and a site of illegal dumping. It has taken us a long time but the transformation is coming to fruition,” she said.

“We wanted visitors who use the park to have this visual masterpiece to uplift them. We have such beauty and nature on our doorstep. We love working with Giffy, and I think his work resonates with so many people. I know this will give so much joy to everyone and of course, keep with the Enviro Fixers mission statement on restoring and reviving green spaces with indigenous plants and trees.”

Koch said the feedback from visitors has been overwhelmingly positive.