ICYMI: Locals walk in the wilds and learn more about their community
HOUGHTON – Community members are invited to share their stories and get involved in the walk and talk at The Wilds.
A number of community members joined Observatory resident faarooq mangera on a walk and talk around The Wilds in Houghton on 5 January.
The walk was the first of 2020, but mangera and various other interested parties hope to make it a weekly event. He led the 3km walk across the West Wilds, retelling stories from his childhood and the apartheid years when he used to exchange messages with people at the park.
The idea behind the walk came from resident Dakin Parker, who returned to Joburg a year ago. “I had been living in Cape Town and heard about the successful revamp of the park. Having lived in New York for nine years, The Wilds felt like a piece of Central Park. I decided that a structured Sunday walk was a good idea,” said Parker.
He explained that since The Wilds had a reputation for being dangerous, he decided to arrange the walk as a safer way to explore the green space.
“The walk and talk is an opportunity to enjoy Joburg and learn some history or background that you’ve never heard before. This is an opportunity to take back the city and refuse to let the criminal elements take over,” mangera added.
Community members of any fitness level are welcome to join the walk from 9.30am every Sunday. Details can be found on the Friends of The Wilds, Johannesburg Facebook page.
Parker appealed to locals to support the free walk and volunteer to share their story. “Everybody has a story, struggle or area of expertise to share about. We are not looking for experts but rather everyday people who can share their stories,” said Parker.
Locals who are interested in getting involved can WhatsApp Dakin Parker on 082 316 5731.
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