The past week coach Ras Bothma guided the Big Rock cycling team through the network of dirt roads exploring the natural Wetland area in the centre of Parys.

An initiative to rehabilitate the neglected natural wetland area to transform the underutilised area into a sustainable wetland ecosystem that will be accessible and safe for all communities, is currently underway, with the first phase of the project to be completed within the next three years.

The cycling school was started early in 2022 by Attie Koekemoer, giving aspiring young cyclists from all walks of life an opportunity to learn and participate in cycling as a sport. The cycling school is free of charge to cyclists as it relies on the local community, sponsors, and volunteers’ generous support. Since its inception, many Big Rock Riders have acquired the skills to become proficient cyclists, some of whom already participate at a competitive level with promising results.
“The challenging 5km plus blitz training route will do wonders for our students at the Big Rock Cycling School,” says coach Attie Koekemoer.

The wetland area stretches from Tumahole down to the bottom of the Mimosa Gardens, and starts at a natural fountain behind the Viva Filling Station in Parys’ industrial area.

The wetland is also a main pedestrian route for people walking daily between Tumahole, Schonkenville and Parys. It connects schools, the industrial area of Parys and residential areas.

This area has been polluted over the years by people dumping household waste and building rubble here, invasive plant species, and sewage pollution.

What is planned for the rehabilitation of the wetland area?
* A safe, clean and beautiful pedestrian route for workers, scholars and people who like to walk for exercise/spend time in nature.
* An area where all schools can participate in cross-country and mountain biking events.
* Improvement in biodiversity of the environment
* Job creation by obtaining funds for the cleaning, development and maintenance of the area, and organising recycling initiatives through the existing network of those who make a living of recycling
* Opportunity for schools to offer additional activities around environmental conservation.
* Creation of a natural park area that is accessible to everyone

The project will not disturb or change the wetland environment as it currently exists, but use and protect it.
The size and location of the wetland makes rehabilitation possible in phases. Initially, the upper part of the wetland (End Street next to the new school building in Vierdelaan, and down to the Parys Primary School’s sports grounds) will be rehabilitated. After that, the focus will be on the polluted area along Noorder Street, past the Sasol filling station, and finally also where the Mimosa Spruit runs past Epilepsy SA’s Free State/Northwest centre and flows into the Vaal River below the Mimosa Gardens.

“The idea for the project started with a few sports and nature enthusiasts who realised that the wetland had potential, and the ball was set to roll to see how this area with its rich bird life could come into its own,” says Leida Schuman, one of the volunteers involved in the project.
The idea is to get private and corporate funding for the project.
The funds will be managed by MooiParys as a non-profit organisation.

Cross-country and cycling routes:
Marking of the 5km, 2km, 1km and 1.5km, routes that can be used by cross-country runners and mountain bikers, has been done with dates set for the Fezile Dabi Cross Country Development League, co-hosted by Parys Multisport and Schonkenville Intermediary School.

Qualifying athletes will advance to the 6-part Fezile Dabi District League and championship (AFS/ASA) that runs from May to August 2025.

The first Fezile Dabi Development League will be held on March 8, 2025 in the Parys Wetland, and the second Fezile Dabi Development League on March 22, 2025, also in the Parys Wetland.

Coaches will start using the Parys Wetlands course from as early as January 2025 to start pre-season training for Cross Country Running athletes.