Parys Wetland Trail – a true test of fitness and skill

A group of 43 adventurous cyclists, runners and hikers ranging from six to 70 years old rounded up on the corner of End Street and Fourth Avenue the past week to take on the newly developed 5km trail through the Parys Wetland. The route was planned and designed by Pierre Fourie from Parys Multisport, and brought to life by Attie Koekemoer from Anatomic with his very skilled Koedoeslaagte team of route builders.

At Wednesday’s event some of our best provincial and national cyclists and cross country runners from Parys Multisport and Big Rock Cycling School, as well as members of the community, flexed their muscles and put the trail to the test. Johan de Villiers, Riko and Rudolf Vorster, Eugene Martins, Anna-Marie Ferreira, Roné Hattingh, Paul de Klerk, Nadia Bell, and Tara Walmsley were some of the local legends on the trail.

The general response from these very experienced athletes reflected excitement of having a quality trail on their doorstep. In addition to the convenience of having a training spot so close to home, it was also noted that this trail, with an elevation gain of 65m, offers a true test of skill and fitness when performed at high intensity, yet remains easy enough for recreational activities and bringing people closer to nature.

“This is a project that truly serves our entire community. This project is also, in my opinion, one of the best examples of how a community can break through all political and cultural barriers to move as one and make a dream come true,” said Koekemoer.
Those who are familiar with the world-class trails at Koedoeslaagte and the high standards of the Fezile Dabi Cross Country District Leagues once again found themselves immersed in the excitement of a trail that was designed and built with master precision, skill and purpose.

“Rehabilitation, conservation, and preservation is at the heart of this project,” says Fourie.
“One of the primary objectives of designing this trail was to provide a platform to facilitate sport, recreation, education, and environmental awareness without causing any further disturbance to this very sensitive Biome. I think this is a big step in the right direction and we are very excited about what the future may bring for our Parys Wetlands”.

The 5km Parys Wetlands Trail is free and open for all to enjoy. The best starting point will be on the corner of End Street and Fourth Avenue, but you can pick up the trail from any point along the circular route that runs in an anti-clockwise direction around the park.

The route is clearly visible and marked with stones that are painted red. Keep an open mind and heart while you explore this treasure and help us keep the area clean by not littering and reporting illegal dumping to local authorities. There is a lot of development and activity in progress.

Don’t be shy to strike up a conversation or lend a helping hand when you come across a team of people working together to make the dream work. Please send an email to info@paryswetlands.co.za for more information and questions you may have on how to get involved with this project.