The Wilds is tamed with help from local partnerships
They were working closely with the James and Ethel Gray Park Foundation which were in the process of upgrading the park.
Just like the human need to groom themselves rose through lockdown, so did public parks need to be weeded. James Delaney and Thulani Nkomo of The Wilds nature reserve generously gave their time and skills to clean up James and Ethel Gray Park in Melrose.
“We just decided to go clean up there as we can’t get into The Wilds. Our focus was on removing the weeds which were growing into the pathways around the entrance. It now looks much neater when people arrive,” Delaney said.
He added that they were now working closely with the James and Ethel Gray Park Foundation which were in the process of upgrading the park. “We’re sharing knowledge and Thulani has now been employed by them a few days a week. Many of Joburg’s parks are now being fixed up through partnerships with volunteer organisations, the results are showing that this is the way forward for looking after our public spaces.”
In the online article, Park foundation needs donations to complete park projects [Week-ending 12 June 2020], Rosebank Killarney Gazette reported on the projects planned by the foundation to upgrade the park.
Delaney said they could not wait for The Wilds in Houghton to reopen. “Joburg Parks have their staff inside mowing lawns, weeding and so on, so looking in from the fence it looks in good condition. But there are many planting projects which were underway before lockdown, planting trees in particular, which I’m concerned need to be watered. It’s very frustrating that not even volunteers are allowed in.”
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