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The birds are chirping, the sun is out, and daylight hours are getting longer. It calls for picnic blankets, ice cream, cold refreshments and time out in nature. Looking for the perfect nature spots when you live in Johannesburg may seem daunting, but the city has plenty of vibrant green areas in unexpected areas.

One of them is the James and Ethel Gray Park, hidden right near Melrose in the suburb of Birdhaven, just off the busy M1 highway. This green belt comes with large grassy fields with expansive views and wooded areas. To top it off, the Sandspruit River meanders through the different sections of the park.

Who Were James and Ethel Gray?

This busy park’s name comes from James Gray, a former historian, scientist and Johannesburg mayor in 1946. Ethel was his wife.

What Can You Do In The Park?

Rumour has it that the James and Ethel Gray Park is a great spot to enjoy sunrises over the city. This 36-hectare park has several benches to enjoy your packed lunch and several vantage points from where to enjoy views of the Johannesburg skyline. Manicured lawns provide the ideal setting for the kids to kick a ball, run around and set up a picnic blanket. Runners and joggers can also run on one of the many winding pathways through the park.

Take Your Pets Walking

The park is very popular with dog walkers, so you are bound to be greeted by a friendly canine during your visit. Please remember to clean up after your four-legged friend while enjoying the surroundings.

Bird Watching

As a former bird sanctuary with many large trees, the James and Ethel Gray Park also attract many bird species. Take your binoculars and see how many different birds you can spot. A giant kingfisher was also recently seen in the neighbourhood. The varied habitat ranging from gardens, indigenous vegetation and forest create the perfect habitat for feathered species.

Keep The Kids Busy

Apart from the massive open spaces which allow the kids freedom to run and get rid of excess energy, there are also two jungle gyms in the park. Another option is Acrobranch at the bottom end of the park. This adventure course in the treeline allows the youngsters to test their balance, strength and focus through a range of zip lines, bridges, tunnels, nets and swings.

The entrance for Acrobranch is in Melrose Street. Visit www.acrobranch.co.za for info.

Kid-at-Acrobranch-Melrose-in-Johannesburg — Image from Acrobranch.

Events in James and Ethel Gray Park

Yoga Love presents yoga in the park every Sunday. The park also plays host to markets and various other events.

More Information

You can enter the park at the corner of Westwood Avenue and North Street in Melrose. For more information, visit jamesandethelgrayparkfoundation.org. You can find the organisation on Facebook.