Saturday February 28,  marked the beginning of a new green chapter for residents in Parys, Tumahole, and Schonkenville in an area known by many who pass through the Parys Wetland Park daily on their way to school or work.

A shared community space that belongs to everyone, stretching from Tumahole down to the bottom of the Mimosa Gardens.

This jewel in the centre of town starts at a natural fountain behind the Viva Filling Station in Parys’ industrial area.

Although neglected and polluted over the years by people dumping
household waste and building rubble here, as well as invasive plants and
sewage pollution, a transformation has been seen over the past months
with a major rehabilitation project that has turned the wetland into a
prime community asset.

Led by the dedicated Parys Wetland Park Project team, coordinated by Leida Schuman, this remarkable partnership with the Ngwathe Local Municipality,
sponsors Damlaagte Solar and Sasol, stakeholders, and the community,
changed and revitalised this vital corridor that connects the Central Business area of Parys with residential and industrial areas.

The official official opening ceremony, sponsored by Ilikwa Solar, turned the area into a hive of activity with bird watchers, cyclists, walkers, runners, and nature lovers enjoying this beautiful area and what it has to offer.

The massive turnout of people from all communities, young and old and the presence of representatives of the sponsors and the Ngwathe Local Municipalities, was a joyous triumph to the countless hours put
into the project to create a safe space for all to utilise for both outdoor
activities and educational purposes.

A testament of what can be achieved when people get together, sharing their knowledge, their love for nature, their dedication to protect the vital ecosystem of our wetlands, and to protect this jewel in the heart of a town that has so much to offer.

The green heart of town, where people and nature can coexist, if it is cared for properly.

Let us protect our wetland, which is our shared responsibility.
Make sure you are at the Sub Youth Development Fezile Dabi X-Country Running event (league 1) on March 18, when participants
will show their talent in the Parys Wetland Park.