A milestone achievement born from the initiative of the Parys Wetland Park Project Committee, in collaboration with the Ngwathe Local Municipality, sponsors Damlaagte Solar and Sasol, and input from stakeholders and community members who generously shared their knowledge, time, and effort to rehabilitate the Parys Wetland area, finally came together on Saturday February 28, with the official opening of the Parys Wetland Park.

In this space, communities meet, and boundaries disappear.

What originally started as a frustration of a small group, many of whom are runners, and who wanted a space in nature where they could do some trail running, over the past months slowly turned into a possibility, shaped as the ideas came in.

Soon, Friday afternoon conversations turned into a vision – and finally a reality.

The remarkable result was witnessed when this area became a hive of activity on Saturday. Bird lovers joined in a guided bird watching outing organised by Feathers Bird Club and Parys WADER, recording 51 species. People joined in a community fun run/walk organised by Parys Multisport.

The Parys Wetland Park Mountain Bike Challenge was excepted by almost 100 cyclists, and finally learners from three schools presented what they had learned from Nelly Komape, another dedicated member of the Wetland Project team who taught them the importance of wetland ecosystems, and related topics like hygiene and sanitation, recycling, waste management and water saving.

Saturday was their opportunity to shine and showcase what they had learned and to make the public aware of the importance of taking care of the environment.

It was a proud moment for all who were part of this initiative that created opportunities through this partnership.

The hope is to see the wetland’s recovery unfold over the next decade.

To see birds, plants, families, runners, walkers, learners, workers, horse riders, and cyclists move through this space safely and with ease enjoying the beauty of nature and breathing clean air.

Hundreds of people pass through the wetland area on a daily basis, but now this area will be a place of connection, recreation, learning, and pride for everyone who calls Parys, Tumahole, Schonkenville, and Ngwathe home.

Let us protect this area and take ownership of it, following the passion and dedication of those who committed to this dream.