Alberts Farm open again

Things to remember before flocking to one of Johannesburg’s flagship parks as they all reopened on 1 June.

Along with the reopening of schools, removal of the 8pm to 5am curfew and ban on alcohol, public parks and beaches will also be opening to those wanting to use them strictly for exercise purposes only. Although Johannesburg doesn’t have any beaches, it does have some impressive public parks such as Alberts Farm which will reopen on 1 June.

The Friends of Alberts Farm (Friends) was pleased to share their excitement with the community but also reminded them that the fight against alien invasive plants and litter is still on. Park runners and walkers have been asked to help rid the park of as many blackjack plants as they can now that their season is officially over.

The Friends said in a statement, “Please kindly walk in the park with a plastic shopping bag and as you go past the blackjack with their black spiky seeds, gently brush as many as you possibly can, into the plastic bag.

It will prevent a few thousand new plants coming up next season.”Not only will this allow users of the park to enjoy it without getting covered in blackjack every time they use it but it also keeps the park alien-invasive free.

“Please also pick up rubbish!!!” read the statement as the Friends hope that users of the park will keep it clean. There are several bins located around the park that should be used for any refuse and runners and walkers are advised to hold on to their trash until they find one. Dog walkers are also reminded to carry a poo bag with them at all times and to clean up after their dogs if they do take nature’s call in the park.

As the Friends and community go back to caring for the park they ask the public to consider making a financial donation to the park. The Friends carry out a lot of work on the park to help keep it in its best condition but often lack the financial power to do so on the necessary scale.

If you would like more information on how and where you can help the Friends of Alberts Farm Conservancy, please contact any of the following: chairman Colleen Rood on 082 335 3901; vice-chairman, Marianne Forsythe-Coetzee on 082 927 0451; treasurer Catherine Horn on 082 813 0212 and communication Nina Venjakob on 083 583 5383.