Delta Park’s guardian angel and her legacy

For nearly five decades, Shirley Tebbutt has been a driving force behind the preservation and transformation of Delta Park, one of Johannesburg’s most cherished green spaces. Her journey began in 1975, as a nature enthusiast and hiker who found joy in walking the park’s trails with her three labradors. What started as a personal connection to nature soon evolved into a lifelong commitment to conservation.

In 2005, Tebbutt co-founded the Delta Park Users Group during an ambitious effort to clear invasive hyacinths from the park’s top dam. “People kept asking if we were connected to City Parks,” she recalls. “I decided we needed a name.” This grassroots initiative quickly became the cornerstone of community efforts to rejuvenate the park.

The projects Tebbutt has spearheaded are as impressive as they are diverse. From paving 3 000 square meters of eroded parking areas to restoring storm water drains untouched for decades, her work has reshaped Delta Park. She fondly recounts transforming the muddy causeway into a durable crossing and rehabilitating a small washed-away bridge using gabions and two tons of rock. “Each project brings a unique sense of reward,” she says.

Also read: Geoff Lockwood celebrates the arrival of fairy flycatcher in Delta Park

One of Tebbutt’s biggest hurdles has been securing the funds to pay her team. Despite this, the local community has consistently rallied behind her, contributing not just money but also materials like paving bricks. “The financial support shows how much Delta Park means to its users,” she says.

However, not all battles are easily won. The Florence Bloom dam, once cleared of hyacinths, was recently overtaken again after a six-week sewage leak. With sheer determination, Tebbutt organized a team, borrowed canoes, and even hired a TLB to manually clear the invasive plants, a 32-day effort funded entirely by donations.

Tebbutt’s impact extends beyond Delta Park. Her philanthropic spirit shines through projects like the ‘jersey sets’ initiative, where she and a group of women knit and sew clothing bundles for children in need. She also contributes to Knit-a-Square, assembling blankets from donated squares to bring warmth to the vulnerable.

“Staying busy keeps me motivated,” Tebbutt shares. Her hands are rarely idle, whether they’re clearing invasive plants or stitching fleece pants for charity.

Also read: Rotary Club cleans the park to commemorate birthday

In 2024, Tebbutt was honoured with a Rotary Club award, a recognition that left her: ‘humbled and privileged’. Yet, accolades are not what drives her. “I work in the park because I love making a difference,” she says.

Her vision for the future of Delta Park is simple, yet profound: A peaceful, beautiful space for generations to enjoy. She hopes to inspire more people to join her efforts, though she is candid about the challenges. “You have to be passionate,” she advises. “Most months, you’ll spend your own money, and you won’t earn a cent.”

Tebbutt’s work is a testament to the power of community, determination, and love for nature. Whether restoring paths, clearing dams, or crafting toys for children, she is leaving behind more than just a well-maintained park, she’s creating a legacy of care and stewardship.

For those inspired to follow in her footsteps, Tebbutt’s advice is straightforward: “Find your passion and make a difference. It won’t always be easy, but it will always be worth it.”

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Related article: Delta Park’s Florence Bloom Dam to be cleared of water hyacinth