WATCH: Pet-friendly walk hopes to bring life back to Witfield Dam

For more information contact the organiser Hein Lange on 083 294 2480.

March 17, 2026

Fanie Mthupha 3 minutes read

a dam full of water and surrounded by overgrown trees — A glimpse of Witfield Dam after the recent removal of water hyacinth that had previously covered much of the water surface. Picture: Fanie Mthupha.

In an effort to revive the Witfield Dam and surrounding community park, NG Kerk Witfield-Wes is inviting residents to a pet-friendly community walk aimed at encouraging people to return to the recreational space.

The initiative also seeks to highlight the park’s facilities while drawing attention to maintenance challenges that residents say have discouraged people from using the area.

Outdoor gym equipment meant to offer residents a chance to enjoy fitness in a natural setting remains largely unused as tall grass continues to grow around the facility. Picture: Fanie Mthupha.

The walk will take place on March 21, starting at 08:30 from the church at 31 Scholtz Street in Witfield. The main route is approximately 3.6km long, with shorter options available depending on participants’ fitness levels.

It will start from the church’s Durandt Street entrance during the church’s Saturday Market, where refreshments will be available before and after the walk.

Also Read: Atlasville Park Crisis: Residents demand action as safety, health and enforcement failures persist

Supporting local animal welfare
The walk will also support the Boksburg SPCA.

Participation is free, and while donations are not compulsory, residents are encouraged to bring dog or cat food, blankets or other items for the organisation. The SPCA will also host a stall at the market to raise funds.

A walk for the whole community
Event organiser Hein Lange said the church has hosted small fun walks during its market since 2023, but participation was limited.

“It was mostly members of the congregation who joined,” said Lange.

“This time we want to make it a community project where everyone is welcome, regardless of their religion, beliefs or culture.”

Safe and accessible walking route
The walk will begin at 31 Durandt Street, turning into Breytenbach Street and Pitout Road before entering the park. Walkers will follow sections of Pitout Road, Scholtz Street and Edwards Road before turning near Sheard Street and returning to the church.

Event organiser Hein Lange points out sections of the park where grass will be cleared to create a pathway for the upcoming pet-friendly community walk. Picture: Fanie Mthupha.

The route will be clearly marked and sections of the path will be cleared to make it safer and easier for participants.

“We designed the walk to be pet-friendly because many residents are looking for activities where they can walk their dogs,” said Lange. Dogs are welcome on a leash.

Participants, especially children, are encouraged to wear costumes and even dress up their dogs.
“It’s meant to be a family fun day,” he said.

The children’s playground in the park, where facilities remain underused due to maintenance concerns. Picture: Fanie Mthupha.

Private security company Mamba Security will assist during the event. The church plans to host four walks this year, with the next scheduled for May 1.

Residents seeking more information about the walk can contact organiser Hein Lange on 083 294 2480.

Restoring pride in the park
Lange said the walk also aims to encourage residents to make use of the park again.

Playground for families: Hein Lange at the children’s playground, one of several facilities available for families visiting the park. Picture: Fanie Mthupha.

“We would like to see the park return to what it once was – a place where people can walk with their children and their dogs, and have family picnics there,” he said.

He added that while some areas still require maintenance, the park has improved in places thanks to residents who voluntarily maintain sections near their homes.

Residents step in
Ones of the volunteers, resident Ashley Rutherford, said their involvement as community members has helped improve parts of the park.

“If we want the area around our homes to look nice, then residents have to step up,” she said.

“We cut grass and cleaned sections of the park ourselves, and late last year we spent about R5500 to clear a large area.”

Residents Ashley Rutherford and Neil de Later are among those who have taken it upon themselves to preserve the beauty of the public green space. Picture: Fanie Mthupha.

Another resident, Neil de Later, said the effort is about reclaiming the space for families.
“We are claiming our facility back and keeping it clean for our little ones to have a place to play,” he said.

A glimpse of one of the sections of the park maintained by nearby residents who have volunteered to cut grass and keep the area clean. Picture: Fanie Mthupha.

Volunteer in action: Ashley Rutherford cuts grass in a section of the park adopted and maintained by local residents to keep the space welcoming for visitors. Picture: Fanie Mthupha.

Grass-cutting plan ‘only good on paper’ – councillor
Ward 33 councillor Ashley Hoods said the city’s grass-cutting plan has been ineffective at Witfield Dam.

“The grass-cutting plan is only good on paper and even worse in implementation. It is hopelessly inadequate when it comes to Witfield Dam,” he said.

Hoods added that political instability and financial challenges within the municipality have contributed to inconsistent service delivery, with sporadic maintenance from the parks department.