Don’t let winter keep you from having fun in the city

You may have traded your slops and sandals in for fuzzy winter socks and boots, but there’s absolutely no need to stop enjoying the outdoors in the City of Joburg this winter.

Jenny Moodley, spokesperson for Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo said, “We recently launched a new campaign called Welcome Outside. The aim is to invite Joburg’s residents into green open spaces. These areas have been developed and maintained for everyone’s enjoyment.

“The winter weather, often cold with very little sunshine, may make even the most outdoorsy people want to stay indoors. But, we all know the importance and benefits of being outdoors.”

To encourage community members to enjoy the outdoors during the cold winter months, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo has suggested different ways to get outside …

• Do your exercises outside: Whether it’s a walk or a jog, as long as you wear layers of clothing and protect your skin, you can definitely exercise outside. Looking for a great location? Visit the Hyundai Sky Park which is equipped with an interactive children’s play area, an earth garden, amphitheatre, an outdoor gym and neatly paved walkways which are perfect for strollers and joggers.
• Bird watching: South Africa provides an exquisite habitat for a variety of colourful birds. Spectacular bird watching can be experienced almost anywhere in the country. One location that is great for bird watching is the Cumberland Bird Sanctuary. The sanctuary boasts an incredible bird life with more than 80 different species and is home to a pair of black sparrowhawks that breed in the sanctuary. In the middle of Cumberland Bird Sanctuary is a little dam. There is also a picnic spot with tables and benches. Take your hot chocolate or coffee along with you.
• Children can enjoy more physical activity at the Hyundai Sky Park as it is well equipped with an interactive children’s play area. If you want them to kick a ball or run around, take them to Innesfree Park. Located in Sandton, the park boasts lush green lawns and leafy trees. The park boasts two tranquil dams and plenty of open space for picnics.
• Visit Sandton Central Park. This park is small, intimate and located in the heart of Sandton. It occasionally hosts live concerts and other events. The park boasts a grassed amphitheatre, sculptured garden beds, indigenous trees, solar powered lights, seating and a magnificent garden. Sandton Central Park is the ideal spot to enjoy a quick coffee and lunch.
• Visit Joburg Zoo, one of the most popular local attractions in Joburg. Go on a guided tour during the day or night, feed the animals at the specified feeding times. And you can get involved by adopting an animal or volunteering.

Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo develops and maintains, among other things, the City’s parks, cemeteries, nature reserves, bird sanctuaries and main arterials.

Details: www.jhbcityparks.com

Do you have some tips to enjoy the outdoors during the winter? Share your tips with us on the Sandton chronicle Facebook page.