Bryanston resident is committed to sprucing up the spruit
Bryanston resident Gail Williams spends three days a week alongside her team as they spruce up the area along the Braamfontein Spruit near Riverside Park.
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Have you walked alongside the Braamfontein Spruit near Riverside Park and ever wondered how the area continues to remain in tip-top shape?
Meet Gail Williams of the Braamfontein Spruit Gardens Bryanston group who, together with her team, contributes to the stunning sights along the spruit.
Williams, who has been part of the Bryanston community for decades, spends three days a week sprucing up the area alongside caretakers Patrick Chitaya, Dickson Mayuni and Men Mazunda.
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“The spruit has always played a big role in my life and I could not just sit back and watch such a beautiful area continue to be disregarded. Before I knew it, one plant became two and five metres became a kilometre.”
Over the last three years the team have cleared various areas around the spruit, redistributing plants, introducing new plants and trees, installing benches with Joburg City Parks and Zoos, and even making compost.
“With the help of donations from the surrounding community, we have managed to do so much work in maintaining the area and making it a little safer for people to use.”
Williams added that while there is not much wildlife along the spruit, there are dozens of dogs who do visit and appreciate the area every week.
The team’s hard work and commitment to the community was recently in the spotlight when Williams was honoured with the Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.
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Recipients of the award are recognised and appreciated for their continued contributions to the community and society.
“I was so honoured to receive the Fellow from Rotary, I had no idea about it but it speaks volumes as to how supportive the community is. Without my commitment, the commitment of donors and the community, the work that we do would not be possible.”
Do you utilise Riverside Park and the area alongside the Braamfontein Spruit? Consider assisting the Braamfontein Spruit Gardens group by volunteering your time or making a donation – the team is always on the hunt for new plants.
Follow the Braamfontein Spruit Gardens Bryanston group on Facebook.
Related articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/312528/local-schools-team-up-to-clean-the-spruit/
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/282045/sandton-community-comes-together-for-the-spruit/