The 36-hectare James and Ethel Gray Park is a well-maintained and hilly park that is particularly popular with dog walkers and weekend strollers. From the main parking entrance on North Street you can stand and admire the view of the famous Johannesburg skyline and its towering buildings such as Ponte and the Telkom tower, framed by a sea of trees. From here the park slopes down towards the small Sandspruit River with various paths and walkways to follow.
Birdwatchers may want to bring along their binoculars as the park was once a bird sanctuary and is still home to a wide variety of birdlife. In 1946 the park was named after historian, scientist and former Johannesburg mayor James Gray and his wife Ethel, and over the years it has been extensively landscaped to cater to the many families who use the area with swings and children’s play areas.
At the bottom of the park, via a separate entrance, you can also find the Acrobranch adventure course. Listen out for the sound of adults, teenagers and young kids having fun as they try out the various obstacle courses. Challenges include four different ziplines, including the 200-metre long ‘Big Zip’, monkey bridges, elevated tunnels and tarzan swings.
